Jeffrey,
I understand your idea. However, I think that would only be effective if the thread creator is able to execute an unbiased and objective judgment on other people and their posts. I feel that many people might have the tendency to just censor out opposing people and rebuttals like a dictator, so that they appear to win the debate hands-down
Anyway, I don't think there's such a function in our forum software. It only allows customization of permissions up to a particular sub-forum, but not for individual threads.
p/s: I have enabled the functionality in your account to set your own custom title - Animal Lover or any other titles you wish.