[jcarrano]

The only one that makes sense to me is the "suggestion", to clearly indicate that it is OK if the code is not changed or that the change is not that important.

For the rest, isn't it obvious when an question is a question or a hint is hint? If you understand English then the meaning of each comment should be clear.

[Cthulhu_]

> If you understand English

See that's where your assumptions already fall apart; keep in mind a lot of developers do not have English as their first language, let alone the cultural differences and nuances if they seem to have a good grasp of the language. "Can you change this please?" can be seen as a friendly request by one, a helpful suggestion that can be ignored by someone else, or a passive-aggressive "You Have To Change This Or Else" reply by yet another. It's not as straightforward as you wish it was or as you experience it to be.

Besides, English is not even a good international language; it's three different languages in a trenchcoat.

[contravariant]

Well there are people who take every hint as a command to change it right now. Though I'm not sure if labelling it as a hint would prevent that.

[BeetleB]

It is unfortunately very common for people to make requests or demands in the form of a question.