I don't think it should come as a surprise to anyone who persists in attacking (be it mild or strong) despite having been asked not to, that the recipient(s) may eventually strike back.

Good point, Jackie. Can't argue with that.

Never found any reason to argue with you, period. Ever.

A few rotten apples spoil it for everyone, whether 'insiders' or 'outsiders'.

Personally, I don't want to be treated as an 'insider' or an 'outsider'.

To apply your own admirable reasoning mutatis mutandis, anyone who treats another person as an 'outsider' without provocation should not be surprised when that person begins to act like an 'outsider'.