Yes. Replying to a thread "bumps" it to the top of the Latest Comments page, and calls it to the attention of any Freepers who are checking that page to see which threads are currently "hot".
Thanks Sweet Ich!
That makes sense. It was so strange that when I typed it, it rang a bell. There are 2 or 3 others that I haven't figured out yet, too.
When I come across them, I'll swallow my pride and ask.
Thanks again.