I think you still are having troubles with the mechanics. Generally we do not participate in the discussion while in Admin mode. Let me go over the buttons one more time for you. The rightmost reply button that appears under each message let's you reply to a specific post. On the left is a general reply button to be used when you are making a general post instead of a one specific to an earlier response.
I hope someone will respond to your question or that I get a chance to respond when not in Admin mode.