Threads getting locked is fairly obviously done to stop a discussion harming its readers and participants. That's normal business.

What I don't get is the merging. Are we not supposed to be discussing these topics at all, even in normatively productive threads? Are they being merged because it makes them easier for reading and reference later by mods and developers? It's you guys' forum, tell the community how you want us using it. We wouldn't be here if we didn't want to participate what you've got going on.