Ehhh I've been lax about locking threads since a couple months ago people whined I was too by the book. No offense, but basically you're asking me to see things the way I did before. I'm inclined to agree with you, honestly, and I've given this some thought today. Hence why I eventually did lock that thread, and why last night I deleted a bunch of posts in the post your picture of yourself thread.
My own personal opinions of the way certain people conduct themselves on here is just that -- my opinion. As much as they are free to xpress theirs, I am free to express mine, so long as I don't get inappropriate with the contents. I admit that I've personally provoked some of those discussions, but I've been known to do that from time to time. And in some respects, while your preference for a laid back approach here is prefered, sometimes things do need to be said of others out loud. Of course, there is a limit to that, and that's what the moderators (including myself) have to determine. Where to draw the line. I won't always draw it where you will like it, or I may satisfy you and others may feel I was premature. As with all moderation, it's a give and take.
As far as the Prius thread goes, you might be annoyed that it was long, but on every page are very detailed points of debate on both sides of the equation, so while you may have considered it bickering back and forth, I actually consider that thread to be how things should be handled more often. Things got a little warm in that thread but cooler heads and discussion prevailed.
Your points are noted tho... I think now that people have seen me operate at both ends of the spectrum, they will be better able to see why I may take certain actions in the future.
Of course, in this I speak only for myself; In cases of more major incident, the moderators all cone to decisions together, as is appropriate.
