I would assume that if mods can close thread, they c*so re-open them and/or reply to the thread despite it being closed. That's how most forums work.

The real problem is that often times, the inquiry goes nowhere and not a word is heard after weeks. And even if we open a new thread about it and ask about the progress, there would be no answer. That's not a mechanics problem of the forum, but a problem of the process.