Yeah, that makes sense. Downvote featured stuff that sucks. I'd rather not have to do that, but that's the best option now.
And yeah, mute is a great feature, I recommend it! The other person isnt notified you muted them (but they can find out certain ways). It does no harm. Just stops you from having to see their stuff anymore. I find it makes my experience here better because there are a number of people I can't stand.
That said, mute doesn't work on featured posts. If someone you have muted gets featured, you have to see it front and center when you use the site.