To a very new person, reinstalling IS their option and thus a proper solution for them.

I've already said that I do respond to closed threads, not because I look for them, but because they do show up in Recent Posts, which means they're fresh topics or Necro threads being resurrected, in that last case not a good thing but it happens. I also will point out the the OP might've resolved in a better way if they were more patient. But I don't think there's any reason to make one viewpoint vs another LQ Policy. And how would it be reasonably enforced?

You really think that reinstalling the OS is a better solution to one missing package or one slightly incorrect configuration file which takes a few seconds to change?
I don't think anyone has a problem with somebody reinstalling to get things working -- what some of us object to is that reinstalling is being marked as a sensible solution to what may be a minor problem.
What does it say to a new Linux user when they've a small configuration problem, they google it, and they end up here with a thread where the solution is to reinstall the OS?
The OP has every right to reinstall and, indeed, every right to mark the thread as solved if they think that way but I, for one, think it looks terrible. I do search the web for solutions to a good many issues (not just Linux, and not just computers come to that) and I know I'm not alone in looking at solved threads first. I think a thread where nothing is even looking into marked as solved is wasting people's time and making them less likely to stick around if nothing else.

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I actually disagree with the consensus here and don't think ardvark71 did anything wrong in suggesting the thread be marked as solved.

It's really up to the OP of the thread to decide if it's solved and all ardvark said in response to the OP's announcement of a solution was in effect: if your problem is solved, mark it solved. The OP chose to 'solve' it in that manner and no one else. It's still a solution, even if it's a questionable solution.

"solved" actually means that the thread is done and that no other members need waste time posting further suggestions (unless they really want to), it does not in any way relate to the quality of the answers or the learning experience involved (what the 'reputation' system is designed for).

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Although the OP of a thread has every right to mark a thread without a proper solution as solved (or reject solutions, because he believes he knows better), the question is whether others should encourage the OP to mark such threads as solved. My opinion is no.

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I'd say it's a grey area, for what it's worth, I don't really agree members suggesting to "mark your thread as solved" (for any reason). But that thread was 'solved' (depending on your definition of course) and the person posting that wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary.

In terms of "what is a solved thread?" I would suggest that it's a thread where the OP has resolved his problem and does not need any further assistance. It's probably better that it be marked solved in that case than others continuing to post suggestions - after the OP has reinstalled, solved the problem and has no interested in finding out the cause (if they had they probably wouldn't have reinstalled).

The other alternative is to allow members to mark their thread as 'abandoned' - i.e. "I gave up and reinstalled [something else]".

One case where I feel it is appropriate is when the OP implements a suggestion and it does solve the problem. For instance: cannot mount a partition or device; adding a line to fstab is suggested; OP reports "Problem fixed. Thank you." In such cases suggesting the thread be marked solved is appropriate, although not necessary. Without marking it solved it will not be the first thread many people read, but when they do get to it they will find the answer. I do agree that on many, perhaps every, board there are people who are too zealous with suggestions to mark threads as solved. (At least I believe I agree, since that sentiment was not included in your post and I am extrapolating.)