"Quote" button question / function??

[FlyingClayDisk]

At the bottom of every post there are three (3) buttons, 'Reply', 'Quote', and 'Report'.  I understand the 'Reply' and 'Report' functionality, but my question is about the 'Quote' button.

The button itself has a "+" symbol and then the word "Quote".  If I click the Quote button a single time, the "+" symbol changes to "--" and nothing else appears to happen.  If I click the Quote button a 2nd time still nothing appears to happen.  If I click the Quote button once (so it shows "--") and then click the 'Reply' button I would think the reply box should appear without the poster's text being quoted.  Whereas, I would expect the post text I am replying to to show up if the Quote button is left in the default "+" condition.  So, two questions from this:
1.  What am I not understanding about this "+" and "--" condition change, and..

2. What is the actual purpose of the "Quote" button?  (It seems to have no function)

No criticisms here, just wondering about functionality.

Thanks!
FCD

[Maxmars]

Thanks for asking that question!  I was too embarrassed to try and explain it in my own words... you did a great job!

Be patient for the answer... I think the person most apt to answer it succinctly is away at the moment. 

(And I can't wait for the answer myself.  )

[KKLoco]

Thank you for asking this! I have been wondering the exact same thing. Hence, the reason I replied to you, FCD. Yet, you can’t see that I am replying to you. Otherwise, it would quote your entire text, and that’s not necessary. I think I’ve seen others do it, though. So I’ll wait to learn.

Replied to your PM.

[Encia22]

Hey @FlyingClayDisk

I think I figured it out. 

I've posted a tutorial... https://denyignorance.com/Thread-Tutoria...w-it-works

Take two aspirins and check it out!