How about a comment instead of a downvote?

That would work if everyone approach voting with a constructive mindset.

I know that's a problem; not everyone's criticism is constructive. What about requiring comments with downvotes? At least we'd get a reason for the DV and trolls would expose themselves with their BS comments.

I did propose that in one of threads, only allow a downvote with a comment.

Great minds think alike :)
That is probably the simplest solution to ending troll abuse without getting rid of the downvote button altogether.

Agreed.
Not so sure about the great mind at this end though, just lucky I guess :-)