Readers submit a \\"review\\" instead of a comment. The review could be more like questionnaire-style radio buttons than the current comment column. Follow this with the option to add a \\"question\\" to the questionnaire, each addition (feature, implication, application, or whatever) with it\\'s own 5 options. (agree, disagree, etc.) After this comes the box for \\"additional comments\\". Keyword, additional.
Radio buttons are quick, so, especially from the people who just browse, I think this would actually get more, rather than less feedback.
I agree
No opinion
I disagree
Add your comment
Comment problem (1 = no problem, 5 = big problem)
Radio buttons (1 = no annoyance, 5 = big annoyance)
I expect the goal you're seeking is to get more people to weigh-in on the ideas rather than only listening to the people who are willing to comment. They absolutely should not eliminate the current comment area--that's the most interesting part of this website.
I personally believe that the three-thumb options at the bottom of the idea are nice and simple, but I don't understand why people still won't use them. I see your 'radio button' option as essentially being a five-thumb option. Maybe okay, but not really such a big change.
Maybe instead of or along-with your radio button option, the creators of this site should make a pick-of-a-thunb mandatory before viewing the next idea?"No opinion" would still be an option, but this way there would be a larger count for all ideas.