Cindy, I kinda like the thanks button, too. It's helpful if I really want to acknowledge a post I appreciated, but just don't have to time, or maybe the energy to reply. A quick click, and my thanks is recorded.
Have you voted on the poll yet about the thanks button? If enough don't like it, we may lose it. There's some concern that it might get to be a status/pride type thing. Kinda like: "Nyah, nyah, nyah, I got more thanks than you did!" I can understand the concerns, but I hope the vote goes to keep it. The poll is on the feedback forum if you haven't voted yet.
Hugs,