The word "rant" gets used alot to denigrate good & bad A's&Q's: I wonder if it's...

[heeltap]

...overuse has any fair meaning? rant ?? (rnt) KEY ?

VERB:
rant?ed , rant?ing , rants
VERB:
intr.

To speak or write in a angry or violent manner; rave.
VERB:
tr.

To utter or express with violence or extravagance: a dictator who ranted his vitriol onto a captive audience.
NOUN:

Violent or extravagant speech or writing.
A speech or piece of writing that incites anger or violence: "The vast majority [of teenagers logged onto the Internet] did not encounter recipes for pipe bombs or deranged rants about white supremacy" (Daniel Okrent).
Chiefly British Wild or uproarious merriment.

ETYMOLOGY:

Probably from obsolete Dutch ranten"

It makes one wonder if people know the true meaning of the word as a term describing speech or writing that incites people to be angry or act violently!
Good post!-- except for ending conclusion since the category of philosophy is about opinions called arguments. YA and I disagree on this issue despite repeated attempts to explain why "why Q's" are different and should not be handled as how-to Q's.!

Still you scored points with me!
Too many b Q's are called "rants" by intolerant people who can't contest the thought in the Q rationally and fairly!

[BleedingHearts]

TRUE meanings mean nothing on this site. It is the meaning as expressed by the Community Guidelines that is the determining factor. For example:
"Respectfully expressed strong opinions that contribute to useful knowledge for the community are OK on Yahoo! Answers. However, questions and answers that express hate and intolerance have no place on Yahoo! Answers and should be reported. Do not use slurs to refer to groups of people, do not insult other members, and do not act in a belligerent manner towards others."
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/answers/abuse/guidelines-06.html

OR:
"It is possible that a question could be considered a “rant”, even if it is formatted correctly. Avoid posting questions that are more about declaring your opinions than seeking knowledge. "
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/answers/abuse/guidelines-04.html