larouse,
I know.
If it wasn't for The Doctor, Badday (who's now unfortunately and I accept somewhat understandably as off topic, filtered me today), Martin C-J and a couple of other specific and worthwhile posters I wouldn't care to bother here, but they do make this BB very worthwhile imo.
An open and less victimised debate should be free and prevalent here. It is usually quickly stifled by the likes of cfc and a couple of others, including at times even the moderator who has unfortunately been known to play the same game at least by ommission of equal action all round, as you very rightly point out.