I think it would be interesting, if impractical, if there were NO side comments to the debate. The only active "evolution of the eye" topic would be the "Great Debate" topic.
Outside comments, even in a parallel thread, are still going to be a (significant?) influence on the "Great Debate".
I wish Admin/Percy good luck, in moderating the thing. I sure know that I'm not up to such a job.
Moose