Alex, you are correct in your perception that there is a pattern with many of these situations. However, the purpose of the vast majority of them is to get people stirred up and start a flame war among members.

Taking swipes at members and whining about cliques are calculated attempts to push peoples' buttons. Clearly someone has pushed yours, and now you've started this thread, which has the potential to further their agenda.

You're playing right into their hands, as are the people who respond to these kinds of posts with anger, or any other negative response.

The best way to not be manipulated by these people is to view all such posts as having the potential to be an attempt to push your buttons. Think about whether or not you are going to let them manipulate you like that, and then go post something funny to a joke thread. Ok?

Best wishes,

Carol