I didn't say we should stop people from doing something. I outlined why particular kinds of replies cause discomfort strong enough for people to be vocal and to even leave nostr, and how these interactions are different online vs offline. We can argue about semantics of ON or ABOUT all day, the discomfort doesn't go away from that. 

Mute is a simple first tool we've built (another one is reports), and even that one isn't utilized to it's full potential by any app. Declaring it the only option (especially as implemented now) is assuming nothing can be improved. The problem won't go away by itself. People will seek solutions. Some of implemented solutions might cause you discomfort, just like their absence causes discomfort for someone else now. Deal with it.