In this question about sending consciousness and this question about archaeology on Mars we see fairly rapid moves to close on the basis that the questions are "off topic." In the latter case, a couple of comments by one user specified that it seemed story-based. In the former, no one wrote any comments whatsoever.
I recognize that there is currently a move to be more restrictive and arguably rigorous about this SE's scope, but this behavior strikes me as unacceptable.
I do not think anyone should be voting questions off-topic unless they are willing to specify why. Furthermore, in the majority of cases, I don't think anyone should do this unless the concern has been explained to the OP, with some suggestions for editing. (By "in the majority of cases," I mean that every once in a while you see a question that clearly belongs at another SE entirely.)
I suggest that both these questions be re-opened, for a start. Certainly the one about sending consciousness: there are no comments but mine!
Is my understanding of this SE's etiquette correct?