Regarding back-channel stuff. I believe what makes a community a Community is the lack of secrets,

Certainly. I express it as "transparency".

and sometimes, not always, but sometimes the back-channel stuff is an attempt to seek undue influence.

Also true, but ameliorated by the fact that anybody is welcome to try, and by the fact that I recognize attempts to influence me. It's not unusual to get an email from somebody who's upset at somebody else, often demanding that the offender be banished. Most of the time, upon investigation, I find it's more constructive to talk the person down, pour oil on the waters. On certain occasions I'll contact the offender to warn him/her that I've received complaints, and suggest remedial action.

I think those things are best handled in private. Doing that sort of thing in public puts the parties on the spot and obligates them to dig in their heels and defend their positions. Allowing me to calm them down in front of others could be perceived as a loss of face.

I'm inclined to deal with individuals privately, but I don't make HabitableZone policy in private. Upon occasion I've requested that we take a private email thread public, on Community, when the topic evolves into something that will affect the community. Sometimes you can tell, when a thread surfaces out of nowhere about something I've obviously given some thought to.

Philosophically, I think everyone needs to reserve some part of themselves for their private lives. We can't perform in public all the time; the result would be 1984, where every aspect of our lives is under the microscope. I think it's respectful of people to allow them private thoughts and feelings, and not insist on airing all dirty laundry in public. There's pressure to be strong and perfect in public; but real humans need a chance to be imperfect and...well, human...in private.

In backchannel email I've gotten to know some people better as individuals. I wouldn't trade it for the world.