Speaking as someone who has been here a little over a year I have really enjoyed the difference of opinions concerning various types of gear.
YES!! Thank you for saying this. Spirited debate SHOULD be a core ingredient of SB. Where users with differing views articulate the bases for those views, rather than attacking others who hold different views, we all benefit. I have a number of fairly well-developed opinions, that I beleive are informed opinions, about various gear - BCDs, lights, regulator configurations, alternate air sources, etc. BUT, I realize that my opinions are based on what works for me, and what works for me may not be what works for someone else. And, I can still, and frequently do, learn from other users with different opinions, where we are able to share the reasons we think like we do. From that perspective, I don't favor a tightly controlled approach to moderating a equipment forum.
Humor is fine, even sarcastic humor at times. Bierstadt's post in this thread
Bierstadt:
Also, if you wear split fins you will die and be eaten by a shark. Well-known fact, just ask anyone on SB...
is the kind of humor we need from time to time, so we don't take ourselves too seriously.
Where problems arise, is when users make it personal. You disagree with me, so I am going to attack you, rather than address the substance of your argument / opinion / whatever. 'Well, you wouldn't think that way if you actually had a brain, or knew anything about diving.' Or, 'you're obviously an idiot for doing / thinking / saying that.' That kind of interaction is what leads to moderation, because it usually takes the thread off topic, and turns into a 'pissing match' between two (or more) users, that becomes increasingly tangential to the topic of the thread, and offers no value for other users. It is OK to say, 'Well, let's just agree to disagree on that', and move on. Another moderator and I did that yesterday, for example, and we still can work together, and respect each other.
Frankly, I sometimes despair at the need for a 'green zone', or a 'flame free zone', in general. We shouldn't need it. But, it seems that we do, particularly when users feel they have to 'win' a difference of opinion.