I’m becoming very adept at skim reading and even use the auto scroller! It’s easier to spot real info and then if that is a reply to go back to the original post. Love the back arrow!
Shift click also works. Use it often clicking on the post # being replied to. New window opens. Sometimes it is necessary to go back 3 or 4 posts to make meaning of replies, use new window open to do this. Then when done just close the new window.