As the implementation of the comment systems has spread to almost all forms of websites, their complexity has also grown. A blog site that has a system that works like Gizmodo limits the trolling/flamewars and allows its readers and editors to use comments as an extension of the the story. Engadget's comment system isn't as complex and is subject to a level of trolling/flamewars that cause situations were they have to turn it off.

Gizmodo's take on the value of reader comments:
http://gizmodo.com/5462585/gizmodos-comment-system-how-it-works-and-why-...

Engadget's take on the value of reader comments:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/commenting-on-engadget-a-humans-guide/

The greatest value of comments in a perfect world is stated in both articles from both sites. The feedback from the sites audience enhances each sites articles. Unfortunately, like most things on the internet, being invisible allows people to say things that in the real face to face world would have repercussions.

I'm all for commenting systems and the rules/control sites place on it. There is great value in comments.