And really all this is besides the point. In my opinion, whether I and others here are liked or disliked shouldn't be the issue.

What I'm concerned about is the potential and/or real acts of incivility and the real & potential misuse of power without consistent consequences.

I'm sharing these opinions not to cause trouble but to try to help this community address what I consider to be real & potential areas of weakness.

That is just about saying it all. It is only a shame that so few posters are prepared to stick their heads up and say it. But hardly surprising as they fear they too will be targeted and accused of making trouble if they do.

The problem is that when such things are posted - it is either ignored, the poster's worth are judged and their motives and mental health speculated about or some vague reassurance is provided (or excuse about best efforts etc) and nothing is seen to change.

Except that in the face of this - fewer and fewer posters seem prepared to stay and try and post what is plainly true.

The only thing our forum can be sure of is that if any poster is not satisfied and does not shut up or go away - they will be subjected to the very misuses of power without consequences that they were concerned and posting about in the first place.

If the very least to be expected is posting with civilty - the example should be seen to be set by those who would feel themselves qualified to judge the rest of us.

If this is not going to happen - and there is very little sign that it is even likely - then it is up to posters to demonstrate that a better example can be set - than being seen to be adopting the very same bullying tactics used by flamers and trolls.

For then there can never be any discernable difference.

But now this biggest single and counter-productive weakness now appears to be seen - by our 'moderators' and their few but noisy supporters as a strength.