Soon to be leaving.... one last comment.

Steve says:"I want to know exactly who I'm talking to, just like I do down the pub.

So do I.. but I don't own the place. Max IS the final arbiter, and he has stated his reasons for allowing guests.

Musket says/say: "Sadly, if Steve Shaw and others, us included, didn't have a pop, then the most outrageous shit would be in mudcat unchallenged ..."

No... go back & read 10,000 threads from 3-12 years ago. Really outrageous shit has always been challenged. I did a bunch of it myself on several topics. I argued with gun fanciers, astrology nuts, evolution deniers, those who tended toward proselytizing on religion, homophobes, ... and against zealots on both sides of the Middle East morass. But with very few exceptions I didn't become an issue in and of myself! I debated positions, not individuals...including several I know personally and see RT regularly! Most of these people understand that and we are able to discuss all sorts of other things RT and just share music or whatever.
There is a huge difference between suggesting... or even stating clearly... that a position is narrow, illogical, counter to facts, subjective...etc.... and labeling the person as a bigoted, hate-filled asshole! Various posters (need I really name names?)...mostly in the UK... seem to take the position that "calling a spade a spade" means being as vehement as possible in condemnation of views they find repugnant. Perhaps that attitude is cultural... but it ALWAYS serves to escalate the debate to simple name calling and causes the opponent to raise his defenses and complain about abuse. You accomplish NOTHING except personal...satisfaction? (I can't imagine).. for having "given them a shot".

Being a sort of pragmatic realist, I don't really expect this to change anyone's style... your belligerent responses to perceived stupidity is as deeply ingrained as the flawed beliefs you condemn. You defend and rationalize your behavior just as they defend and rationalize their outrageous thinking.
I'm not sure which is the biggest problem...but do know that it is far easier for a mod who is pressed for time to zap simple insults than to laboriously analyze a contentious position and censor according to some complex sliding scale of universal judgment. (whatever that is).

Fluffy bunnies..white or otherwise....