If it doesn't directly address the question, by definition it doesn't answer it so therefore no it's not an answer.
That's not the root problem though. The root problem is that people have constructive things to say but the reputation scoring system is preventing them from contributing in an appropriate manner.
The real question is which is more beneficial?
- To allow people to contribute even if they haven't jumped through all the hoops, potentially allowing noise through at the same time
- To enforce the hoops, while giving people headaches who are new to the site