Return to Answer

I think above is generally a valid concern. However some system limitations make it rather slippery to use popularity and historical interest as an ultimate criteria on deciding whether to keep such questions.

Thing is, visual difference between "normal" and historically locked questions is not really as prominent as it may seem to experienced users. I recall seeing at meta references to examples when inexperienced users didn't notice the differences and thought that these are normal, legitimate questions, "Why can't I ask X when Y exists?"

• Set up an archive for legendary deleted questions (at MSE)
• Recent Trouble With Popularity

If you take a closer look at this site history described here you may find out that it is most likely not so.

I think above is generally a valid concern. However some system limitations make it rather slippery to use popularity and historical interest as an ultimate criteria on deciding whether to keep such questions.

Thing is, visual difference between "normal" and historically locked questions is not really as prominent as it may seem to experienced users. I recall seeing at meta references to examples when inexperienced users didn't notice the differences and thought that these are normal, legitimate questions, "Why can't I ask X when Y exists?"

• Set up an archive for legendary deleted questions (at MSE)
• Recent Trouble With Popularity

If you take a closer look at this site history described here you may find out that it is most likely not so.