You are right about making your own judgements etaoin.

Sadly, if people are reacting harshly it is because they have been hurt and made up their own minds too.

It is unfortunate that you happen to join us during a time of strife on the Board. I hope you do stay because there are some really nice people here.

Check out Wordplay, Q&P and those forums. There is usually a lot of fun stuff going on there so I'm sure you'll find them interesting.