We all contribute to the problem of internal bickering when we respond to those situations as noted above. Each one of us is equally responsible.
The problem that many perceive is when one side/person does not cease and continues to press their point, giving more implied substance by being the loudest and longest - that takes advantage of the position of "I'm only stating my opinion" and leaves a bad taste and sense of frustration with those that have attempted to back off.
I'm understand that frustration. Self-moderation is great when it works. No one person or segment should IMO be allowed to control an idea, thought, event by sheer weight of words applied over and over. IMO such unfairly takes advantage of the patience and fairness desired by the moderators and the Administrator - note I am not speaking for John.
Maybe we need an "overstating your case" or "over-redundant" rule, whether written as such or just applied with that in mind. It is far better to simply state your case (once or twice) and allow others to voice theirs with equal restraint - that does seem to always be the choice however and then intervention is the only recourse left.
Perhaps OCDO needs to step in sooner in a more active manner - I admit to hoping that is not so. One of the hallmarks of OCDO has been to allow each to express their mind freely, but there is a limit gentleman, there is a limit.
Note also that I am not directing this at any one individual, but rather describing a tactic that unnecessarily taxes OCDO.
