I just added an "answer" to my own question clearly indicating in line 1 that it was in fact an extended comment and that it required formatting.
It was immediately downvoted but there was no explanation of why. As I indicated, I am always looking to improve the quality of my questions and answers and find downvotes without justification to be quite maddening.
A downvote without justification does not seem to fulfil any purpose other than expression of an opinion, somewhat contrary - in my view - to the spirit of the place, given that opinion-based questions are generally unacceptable.
Given the stature of the giants about the place, who seem careful how they tread (for which, many thanks), it can be a little intimidating to post anything more than semi-trivial questions and now I find it is also somewhat galling and off-putting to be given a metaphorical finger by someone possibly no better informed than I am.
What is the rationale for accepting downvotes that are not justified by the down-voter?
Update
@JasonB kindly gave some insight into why someone else might have downvoted
Basically on stack exchange answers are only for something that provides an answer to the question. It isn't uncommon for new users to post "Thanks" as an answer, or reply to comments in an answer, and those always get deleted. So this answer will most certainly be deleted. It is not uncommon to edit the original question with details to clarify points from the comments, so that's probably what you should do
After thanking him, I noted that there are plenty of "extended comments" on the site; these were the evidentiary basis for my extended commenting. In light of that how could I possibly have known that "extended comments" by the OP should be handled differently? A downvote without a rationale is not evidence of anything except a down note.
