I do try and make sure I push everyone's buttons,LOL!
But seriously, I have VC's issue --- I'm so thrilled and grateful when someone takes the time to comment, I feel the need to reply personally, if only to just say 'thanks', but sometimes I do feel like I'm the bumping the thread too much (sometimes I use the edit button to keep adding to the vote of thanks... as long as it doesn't screw up chronology!) I follow my own threads for a week or so, in case I miss someone!
That's my own threads. On others, I will admit I love the extra warmth of a personal mention/reply, but I really think it is fine to just acknowledge you've read by pushing a button. Although, I also more than understand sometimes people just get too busy to keep up with their own super-popular thread.