Yup. The reality is that there will always be someone who cannot see things the way another does, with predictable consequences.Some 'flamers' probably do not set out to flame intentionally, but find that they cannot back down without losing face - as if that's so important...
In reality, they may not even believe they are flaming the thread - they may well be quite serious in their views.
The beauty of Mudcat is the way that we are able to 'publicly' discuss things, or contact an individual on a 'one-to-one' basis.
When that discussion degenerates into a public 'brawl', slanging match, etc., everyone else can see clearly what is going on, and will form their own opinion - if they think it is worth the effort!
Targetting an individual within a thread is an obvious effort to 'score points' - a Personal Message probably serves the purpose more tactfully, and causes less ill feeling. However, once a member has openly and deliberately targetted another, it is very difficult for them to back down. Then to repeat such a faux pas...
I'm not sure about barring 'guests' from posting - it's only going to cause 'cookieless' members unnecessary inconvenience...
Earlier on in this thread I apologised for any possible offence I may have unintentionally caused - that still stands. In polite society it is usual to graciously accept such an apology - not to repeat the attack.