"...a preceived opportunity to make personal attacks when no offence was made. "

Could that be "no attack was meant"? Much of it sure felt personal...

Unfortunately, pdq, we can't see your sly Western winks or hear the Western inflections in your voice or study your Western body language. All we have to go on is words.... and your words are often strident, critical and laden with what seems like smug disdain for other's positions.
You have become a lightning rod, whether you intended to or not. Strong opinions are not illegal, but how you present them can sure color how YOU are perceived in this awkward medium.