(Gee, I hope that all makes sense.)
Yes it makes sense. When I post, I consider if it is a thread that I really want to receive the follow-up replies...like I don't check the box on any posts at the Seed Exchange Conversations, but will always check the box if I am posting a trade.

I have often wondered why anyone would check the box on a post they would start here, for another member.
I reading your post, I assume that some folks just automatically check the box on everything, like automatically.

Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to persuade the site administrators to disable the "follow-ups" checkbox in the "Rate & Review Exchanges" forum?
I really doubt if it is anything they could or would do. You might make a suggestion though at The Suggestion Forum
btw...you explained it quite clearly.

If one did accidentally check the box, and soon realized it, they could request that the post be pulled via the Contact Us link at the bottom of any page.

Sue