>>>He argues just to argue and will take whatever side you don't.
>
>Assuming you're correct- so what? Nothing wrong with having your ideas challenged. Good ideas end up stronger. Bad ones are prompted for reconsideration. Smart people see nothing wrong with changing their minds if there's better evidence. Whereas people who don't want their ideas challenged need not post them in a public forum, or need to choose a forum of like-minded people who can be relied upon to cheer enthusiastically.

SNIP

I've learned a lot over the years by playing the contrarian - especially when it wasn't the opinion I actually held. It forced me to research and argue the opposite view of my own. :) I used to do that a lot on the UT... :) Now I just enjoy reading it periodically :)