I think one thing is clear that the subject stirs vitriol. The emotional attacks that arise from simple observations is an observation in itself.

I think it has been valuable to leave this thread open but I'd like it if someone who responded to an observation with a personal attack would re-think this approach.

It reminds me of my reactions to the following:

"It's nothing personal"
"Calm down"
"Don't get excited"
"You're not going to like this"
"What you've got to understand is..."
"You're the first person to call with this problem"