And to add to that, there is a clear benefit to being signed in even if you're not commenting. I imagine there are a significant number of people who vote on articles and comments while rarely commenting themselves. Also, the favorites feature is really nice to use even if you're not commenting.
I don't lurk for years at a time, but I'm pretty sure I have often gone months without commenting. I could easily see going a year or more, but still reading actively and staying logged in.
Comments
Sometimes people just don't have anything meaningful to add to a conversation. The usage pattern you're describing does not seem at all unusual to me.
And to add to that, there is a clear benefit to being signed in even if you're not commenting. I imagine there are a significant number of people who vote on articles and comments while rarely commenting themselves. Also, the favorites feature is really nice to use even if you're not commenting.
I don't lurk for years at a time, but I'm pretty sure I have often gone months without commenting. I could easily see going a year or more, but still reading actively and staying logged in.