Yes, it can be, but it can depend on why the thread was locked.
Most often it isn’t the subject of the thread that required it to be locked or deleted, it’s how the thread devolved. If we can catch it earlier enough, we might be able to save a thread through some pruning.
I know I’ve removed multiple posts when a thread first goes up that would otherwise ruin actual discussion such as comments that X person is just trolling, or posting certain gifs or popcorn, etc… When we’re able to remove those, and just keep the comments that discuss the subject, it tends to be far more productive. A lot of those threads get some mild engagement, then naturally goes dormant.
Unfortunately, right now there is no way for the poster to tell why a thread was locked or deleted. We do have several improvements that we’d like to see made overall, such as being able to provide a note when locking or deleted to inform the poster. These are all on a wish list, so there isn’t any telling on when/if they’ll make it towards the top.