Apparently, the system does not seem to differentiate between a negative rating and a positive rating - or - between rating and reaction. While I suspected this was the case it was not always possible to count up the difference between like and disagree (and who knows what funny or wow stand for in ranking).

 I have now seen comments that receive no likes become the top ranked comment on a fairly regular basis.

The net result is a system that frequently pushes the least considered remarks - and among the most uncivil - to the top of the comment board. The total opposite of the intended outcome. 

The problem was visible during the test run, but apparently the Globe staff decided to ignore a glaring problem and implement the system. Presumably because of the amount of $$ invested in the new system, there would be no turning back regardless of the evidence. Such is organizational bureaucracy.

What a mess.