I've thought about this and came to the conclusion that it would work with ignoring topics, but not responses...

What would end up hapening is the continuity in the post would be lost to you. The person ignored may post something which sparks talk and leave you wondering what the hell people are talking about!

Filtering authors may continue to be a possibility though as you would just be oblivious to an entire discussion. (Although it may be confusing to you so see new topics listed and yet not SEE the new topics and wonder if the board is acting up!)