This feature is currently moderator exclusive. Could we allow delete-privileged users convert answers into comments?
What I imagine, is that a user votes to delete an answer, a lightbox comes up (much like when closing), which allows the user to pick a reason for deleting. I.e.:
- This answer is actually a comment.
- This answer is an entirely different question.
- This answer is spam.
- No comment
And allow the user to pick one.
If 2 (out of the 3) votes are of the same kind, treat it as the appropriately selected option. (actually a comment => transfer to comment on the question, spam => -100 reputation, etc).
Could use a bit of tweaking, but that's what I have in mind.
Your penny?