Personally, I don't have a problem with an occassional "thanks". I rememeber when I first joined the monestary, I would use them alot. Came to the same realization that they make too much noise. I'll still say thanks occasionaly, particularly if someone goes above and beyond or solves some big headache. Though I'd never downvote someone for it.

As far as followups/solutions, I'll agree, those are the best. You know it's funny, I've been here almost 4 years now, the past year I haven't been around as often, but there is always one constant, the "Voting/XP" node. It seems like the author is the only thing that changes.