Isn't it funny how we automatically think of polls differently depending on the point of view we're taking? It's a catch-22. Every time I go to post a poll, I question myself for doing it, and yet if I forget it, a reader ask me where it is!

Polls are less under the original poster's control.

This is true, but they can be closed (and, I imagine deleted) if they do start getting subjected to that sort of abuse.

I agree that poll results seem mechanical, and don't measure up to comments, but I do find any feedback better than none!