Fluther-tiquette - should one attempt to bridge sarchasms?

Am a newbie here and (btw) impressed to date by the depth of questions, answers and… the general population. (Though what prompted me to join was laughter provoked by a smart-arse response found via theGewgle). In browsing about, I’ve seen discussions where it was apparent certain exchanges (d)evolved into increasingly futile attempts to clarify statements made in jest.

In the interests of appropriate behaviour (though generally not concerned with pc, I do appreciate common courtesy) am interested in your thoughts on how much effort should be expended towards clarifying that a reply or remark was an attempt (however lame or obscure) ...at humor?