Anyway I'm happy to leave this forum if the mods would like that. I don't mind being alone and fighting my corner. I do not want to be the cause of this forum degenerating - and I personally will not stay on a forum where I am generally thought of as a troll. I am not so impolite.
Rather than the continual tolerated - even encouraged - abuse (from frogfall, cydonia, jed) - it would however be more honest just to ban me as ecat-world did a long time ago?
The forum is in very good shape as evidenced by the healthy mix of threads, lively discussions, and inroads into the community. Gordon put a good plug in for us during his Assisi presentation last week, and promoted us as an asset that should be utilized by others. Alan was told while there, that we (LF) were on the periphery before, but have now moved towards the middle of the field.
With our growing success, and recognition, we are also experiencing strong pressure from inside and out, to make the forum more hospital for ALL believers. Some have stated they are uncomfortable participating until conditions change. Honestly, I am suspicious of that since our opening the Private (invited members only) section failed miserably. But still, we have to give the benefit of the doubt.
We are here for one reason...advance the science as quickly as possible. Skepticism helps towards that end, but only up to a point. Many feel we are past that point, and it is now leading to the "degeneration" you mention.
We have now become tribal, and each side is digging in their heels and blocking out each others arguments. There is no more progress to be made towards a logical conclusion, at least on the FoamGate issue. When that happens, the anger builds (on both sides), as is happening. Everyone can feel it. Is that helpful, or productive?
Not sure where we are going with this, but the staff is certainly taking all this into consideration, and trying to come up with a balanced solution.
You, Ascoli, and Bruce are obviously very intelligent, and I would hope you understand our predicament. Then again, I would also hope you appreciate that we have been very amenable to your presence here, and even encouraged yours. In our shoes, may I ask what you would do?