This rule is asinine.
If I see a post at −3 that I desire to reply too, I am incentivized to upvote it so that I may enter my comment.
Furthermore, it stifles debate.
Look at this post of Eliezer’s at −19 In the new system, the worthwhile replies to that post are not encouraged.
In the new system, instead of people expressing their disagreement, they will not want to reply. The negatives of this system grossly override any upsides.
I have not noticed a worsening trolling problem. Does anyone have any evidence of such a claim?
I disagree with removing the link strongly. It makes you look defensive at best.