How about setting the "replies" in each topic to actual replies.
If you post a topic and get an answer that equals 1 reply but if you then query the problem further it counts you as a reply each time you post.
I mean you are not replying to yourself which is what matters, if you see a thread with 10 replies you think 10 people have offered assistance, when in reality it could be just you and one person exchanging views on the same problem.
Such as when you are asked have you done this or that and you answer.
I know technically you are replying to someone, but you are not replying with help to your own problem.
I'm sure many people look at the forums and think (as I do) that item has had x amount of replies I'll see if anyone else needs help.