It's not the freeper we are concerned with, it's the marginal voter and the millions of lurkers. We're not just any discussion board. Our reach is enormous. For many, we are their main source for news.
If a bad exit poll discourages even 1% from voting, that could be enough to swing an election. It happened in 2004. Thanks for your understanding.
It could also encourage more Dems to vote. We wouldn't want that. ;)