re: Well, well, well. You and alcaray. Heh, heh.
In all honesty, I think the board has generally become a more civil place. These things seem to go in phases, but the overall movement has been toward calmer discussion. Others may very well disagree, though. And with an election looming, emotions could begin to run higher, I suppose.
I know what you mean about not liking what one becomes in these places sometimes. I've been inexcusably unkind on a number of occasions, and have, more often than not, seen my poor behaviour answered with remarkable grace.
Anyway, I hope you can find a way to stick around.