>So, we have good solid technical advice getting lost in the BS. The question is then, is the "soap opera" and mudslinging the result of a lack of civility or oversensitivity? (or both?) (or neither?)

I think it's a combination of many things. Plus I think many folks take the virtual community for granted, and forget that unlike a real community where you see people face-2-face, communication depends on interpretation of text. Factor in "reading between the lines" and you have even more room for differing interpretation. I am a headstrong, big mouth, over-achiever type most days. And many times I'm seen as overbearing and aggressive. I never intentionally try to be that way, and when I get it shoved down my throat that being aggressive is unbecoming for a woman... I get pissed. In that state of mind me, or no one else I would suspect, thinks clearly. Adds fuel to the fire... to much flames, not enough time given to let the fire burn it self out.