Not so much "ignoring" HV as much as completely rejecting it.  The Church laity became aware of the suppression of the pontifical council's recommendations in 1971 (I think) when a certain National Catholic Reporter published the report for all to see.  The rejection by the largest majority of the Church fit the theological criteria for the withdrawal of the teaching, but Rome would never do that, now would they?  And you are very right in pointing to that entire debacle of doctrinal teaching as the point at which the faithful began to see the magisterium as having lost a great deal of credibility, and the need for them to discern it for themselves.  A wise choice it was.  And "politely ignoring" is a very useful and very appropriate way to handle dissent.