I'm not sure Stu. I agree that in UK itself, people debate robustly and it can seem very confrontational, while being perfectly acceptable in a pub etc. But this forum isn't the UK, it's an international talking-place.
Therefore, I wonder if modifying a little one's usual debating style might be better, so that everyone here from several different countries, might not be offended or upset?
I think Joe's suggestion, of criticising an opinion rather than its originator, is the best way forward.