OK - Here's my "diatribe"... (Ah hemmmm.......)
I have looked at this and done some thinking. This is a server hog, but since it's only affecting extra calls for moderators and admins it's not a big deal. There are other avenues to reduce server load which would be much more effective.
Personally, I hadn't thought about this "mod" in a *long* time. I just haven't used it. I probably thought it was a good idea when I installed it, and - Well, it can be handy at times. I could disable the mod, but since everything is working and all in all it's not a big deal, there's no reason to disable it. I have to admit this thread reminded me the mod was there and it does collect some interesting data. Since only moderators and admins can see it I don't see it as posing a threat, nor do I see it as "over reach" with respect to data collection. No one is analyzing the data. It's only being used on an occasional basis by different mods now and again.
So - For now I'm just leaving things as they are.
We do have the capability of of seeing who has looked at a discussion thread and there are times a moderator or an admin may want to take a look.
But... As someone said: "I don't see the value for the general membership though. I think it could backfire for some of the members who expect "instant answers." They may see who has read their post and complain that people haven't responded."
I await comments.
Marc.