Dave, you proved my point.   People are reacting to Martin's tone and acting in the same manner that they found offensive. Because you disagree with a perceived offensive tone, you react the same way. That IS hypocritical.   The hostile replies, as you say, intensify things and the whole message is lost.   

Belief in ones convictions should allow for a dignified response that does not sink to the level that you object to.

I'm not pointing the finger directly at you Dave since your post was not angry in tone, but if you read many of the posts online you see the connections.   People complain that Mudcat has evolved to mudslinging, and they do not realize that they are part of the problem.