I think alot of this issue, and how important it is to you, is entirely dependent upon your motives for coming here.

Those who have been expressing this pov, are clearly motivated by an interest in the competition of debate, or discussing political issues, that the objected too behaviors tend to either impede, or eliminate entirely.

It is really about wanting to use this board solely for what it was designed and intended to be used for-- not that this need preclude some socializing.