When someone leaves a lengthy comment where it's clear they want to have a provocative discussion with me in good faith, I reciprocate and give due consideration to the points they're bringing to my attention.

When they comment because they want to try to humiliate me in front of my readers, I shred them with as many rebuttals as it takes. Bullies won't stop unless they're made to look foolish in front of the observers for whom they're trying to put on a show.