[majewsky]

Not the person you're asking, but FWIW, I regularly read the comments before deciding whether to read the article. In many cases, the top comment is some expert in the field in question who explains why the article is a waste of time.

[pso]

I can understand that. But, do you debate specific points in the article based on the views you formed by NOT reading it?

I get that some comments can be interesting without reading the article. But someone discussing and finding fault with an article they haven't read (properly?) ... that's the bit that just baffles me.

Reading the article seems like a reasonable minimal entry requirement, IF someone wants to discuss the content itself.