There ought to be better ways, if any is needed at all. Downvoting should never be free and unlimited (having requirements is fine, but only involves a bit more time and effort to the would-be disturbance), most of the time it turns into bashing opposition of the consensus, which is turns out to be wrong too often to permit it. Self-reinforcing mere beliefs without evidence or proofs doesn't make it any more valid, but hinders discussion completely. Not too long ago there was some drama about a fork and some harrasment allegations, and see how it turned out (still zero evidence about anything at all), yet anyone doubting was downvoted away. Also, I'd argue the ability to give "thumbs down" itself already is a child-cuddling system. I don't understand the need of such things at times, chronological sorting of parent replies may not be the most time-efficient for readers, but it's the most natural.