I think that if an outright war is raging in the comments, let it run it’s course. All parties are willing participants, free to disengage at any moment.
The exceptions should be when illegal content is being shared or illegal activity is occurring (CP, doxxing, etc).
It’s always frustrating when a juicy argument gets locked because it’s “unproductive”. I was having a great time watching it unfold, both sides hurling both creative and uncreative insults, oblivious to how low they are sinking to. It’s great!
I will also upvote because unpopular opinion but I don’t agree.
The benefit of the fediverse is that you can pick an instance and communities that align with your moderation preferences.
Personally I’d rather they be locked. Every shit fling pushes the thread back to the top of Active.
Plus, communies have rules. Moderators (in theory) enforce those rules. If there is so much rule breaking the moderators can’t keep up, it makes sense to just lock the topic and let the unpaid moderator go have a drink.