I didn't read the whole thread, so I'm sorry if what I say is a little redundant. I suggest that the best way to deal with trolls, flamers, etc is to just plain ignore them. They may persist for a while, but eventually they will give up. I include them what uses the "Guest" id as well as registered catters.

Interesting to note that the same thing has been happening on another board I frequent that is about fountain pens. One would think that it would be the model of civility. One would be wrong. Perhaps it is a sign of the times, or perhaps it is just that we get access to more people through this world-wide electronic vehicle, and therefore "see" more knuckleheads.

Rambling thought: how do you handle REAL LIVE people who behave boorishly?