I don't get it. Someone using some sort of support is using a crutch, whether they need it or not. So what? What does that have to do with someone who needs a crutch to walk using a crutch? It's really not hard to sort out what people mean when they use the word. Saying that someone used cue cards as a crutch says nothing whatsoever about someone using a crutch to walk. I use the word crutch regularly, and would never dream of insulting someone who uses a crutch to get around. Perhaps you should simply respond appropriately to people who actually mean to insult you and not blame others if you can't figure out what people mean when they talk.

It reminds of of another forum I visit sometimes, where there was a round of breast jokes (started any mostly continued by women). One woman got very offended because she recently lost a breast to cancer, and, in her view, jokes about breasts should be off limits.

I'm offended by perfectly normal words and conversations being called offensive because someone decided to be offended. Please take care of your own sensitivities and don't try to force them on everyone else.