Best thing to do with a long post you care about is to write it in a word processing program, and then copy it across. Mind, I hardly ever make the effort, and have regretted that sometimes. But if the Cat freezes when I try to post, I've sometimes been able to save a post, and use it later when things are sorted out.

It's always a good idea when writing a post in reply to another to make a clear identification of who you are replying to. When a post gets delayed that’s especially true. But in every case there's the chance that someone else will nip in before you, and it looks as if your reply is directed to them - that of course is a particular worry if you're the kind of person who is prone to dash off insulting comments - "You're lying through your teeth, you creep". But then in that case you deserve to get embarrassed when you find you've insulted some harmless bod who posted just in time to get the screamer you intended to go to someone else.