This is an option that we, as mere forum members and not moderators, should not have access to. Unfortunately, I have seen this option being abused more than once lately. If a forum member creates a thread for whatever reason, he or she has to realize there will be posts of an opposing opinion, there might be flaming/trolling, and the topic might even get derailed completely. That is a risk you (unfortunately) run when you make a thread on this or any other forum. But it is the job of the forum moderators to decide when a thread has been derailed badly enough, or the trolling has gone too far. To close your own thread because you don't get the feedback/support you expected from other forum members, is a cowardly thing to do. I can't think of any other FFXI forum that I frequent, that give forum members access to this. Deleting posts, yes - but not closing threads.

My 2 cents.

Let the flaming begin.