I doubt it, it doesn't substantially add to any discussion except to indicate you feel the discussion is pointless (unlike everyone else contributing).

For people that see something they are not interested in they can always flag the submission as abusive (though that is a bit extreme) or simply, you know, not click on the article/discussion link.

I see lots of stories on the front page that don't interest me, I simply don't read them or upvote them. If the community at large disagrees with my assesment and chooses to upvote/comment on the stories, so be it.

Occasionally, yes, but you don't see it because such a story will be flagged off the front page shortly after.