What I meant was that readers of a question are awaiting a response to the question by someone more knowledgable to reply first, someone with lots of stars, before venturing an answer of their own. In other words, "if the people in the know ain't gonna answer this question, then I surely ain't, even though I might know a little something that I couuld add". Thus a question goes unanswered, leaving that big fat, embarrassing zero in the replies column
I have to agree that's an unfortunate state of affairs if that's how people feel. My belief is that a vibrant and growing community needs to provide and encourage opportunities for all skill levels to participate in answer provision.
I wonder what would encourage people to step forward?
--Phil.