"But the overall feeling I get is that it's a no no for members to engage in public analyzing/discussing and sharing suggestions about what might make Mudcat a better place for all. My sense is that to do so means that you become labeled a trouble maker. I think this is a big mistake."

I believe this was decided arbitrarily by the clones and had nothing to do with Max. It does seem that not being able to give dissenting feedback or criticism is a bit autocratic, I think...