[ChrisArchitect]

Dupe isn't about the url (except when it obviously is), it's about the duplicate discussion. Just flipping through most of this thread here it's all the repeated comments and points from the rather large thread on the source from earlier in the month. In this url's case it was written the same week as the source, maybe it brings a bit more analysis to the topic, but it's from then. It's not fresh. If it had been shared then it probably would have been merged into the main discussion (or could have been shared there at the time).

Not pointless at all, keeps things fresh and rolling. Stops some of us having to see the same topic over and over, and directs those who missed things to where the main discussion happened or is still happening. Stuff moves pretty fast around here.

You might see multiple submissions (a regular offender of submitting a ton of duplicates yourself) but they don't go anywhere, don't make it to front page or eyeball traction (say >20 upvotes). Most don't need specific dupe flagging because there's no discussion forming. Sharing the link helps casual readers find the discussion. And directs the recognition and attention to the original posters and story especially when stories are barely hours old.

As if you haven't been around here for awhile enough to be clearer on this. Striving to keep the feed fresh and discussion together helps us all, you could do better to contribute that way.