Seems to be the case that discussions on here have become much more bitter and acrimonious recently. There seems to be less thoughtful discussion and more criticism, airing of personal gripes and just downright animosity. I wonder whether we are all suffering from cabin fever brought on by a long, dreary winter (either that or we're all just a bunch of miserable SOBs).
You may be right, but I take a different view of these contretemps.
I think it is probably a combination of excessive introspection, fragility and an incessant desire on the part of some to feel appreciated even if they are typically spouting OT psychobabble instead of trying to talk about gca. If there is a turn that the site has taken recently, it is more related to some members wanting to feel loved while trying to change the culture of the place. Then, of course, we have this thread about internet etiquette. Now, there's some value added!
I'll sound like a bitter old man when I say this, but a guy who started a thread a few years ago bemoaning the lack of new courses like some old courses THAT HE HAD NEVER PLAYED would have been laughed off the site. Now, others chime in to keep the discussion going rather than telling the thread's progenitor to go play the courses and do some research before getting all lathered up.
If anything, there's less bitterness and edge than ever before, because the hurt feelings crowd is so vocal now. Just my two cents. Here's hoping nobody's feelings get hurt!