What I have noticed, is that on some controversial threads, members will often start personal abuse to get the tread closed.

The latest being the "Same sex marriage" thread, IMO one of the best on this forum, which had to be closed by Joe because of "combative conduct by members"

This combative conduct was the fault of long standing members who became abusive to a new member who was obviously trying to wind them up.
The thread could have been saved if members had shown a bit of common sense, but I think most were glad to see it closed as it did not fit easily with their opinions......Ake