I agree with that, but how can you avoid flags being used for simple disagreement when anyone can flag? There are many people who are simply slaves to their emotions and react without thinking.
If there were a way that flags were only used to combat abuse it would be better, but the problem with that is a) what constitutes abuse and b) who is allowed to define that or have the power to flag?
The problem is that most people aren't self aware enough to realize when their emotions are in the way of their rationality. I know, it happens to me sometimes.
Good points. You can't really define abuse, so I guess what I'm trying to say is that there needs to be a medium. We should be able to disagree with content, without the need to come off aggressive when disagreeing. A simple dislike button would cure this flagging disease we see spreading through the ranks.
There was another very well written and rather detailed post concerning the need for a way to cast negative feedback on articles (and comments if I'm not mistaken). I don't recall if it was @dantheman or someone else off the top of my head but it influenced my thinking favorably. It made a strong case for balanced feedback.
Probably @bitcoindoom