I agree with your statement (that many here have echoed) about differences being good, positive and a learning opportunity, and share your concerns of what can happen when those difference turn sour for some reason - some of which I have tried to analyse above.  

Conflict is endemic in all organisations - the more dynamic the organisation, often the more virile the conflict.  However there are methods and processes for channelling that conflict in more creative and less damaging ways, and that is the discussion I am attempting to foster.  

This isn't intended as a critique of frontpagers  - I would never criticise people doing a job I am not prepared to do my self.  What I did do - for context - was relay some of the criticisms I have read and heard, and which appear to lie behind some of the animus displayed earlier.  

I don't have a view on whether they are justified or not, because I wasn't party to many of the discussions and don't know a lot of the context.  I would merely note that the animus appears to be there, is real, and thus, in an ideal world, is a reality we should try to deal with in a positive and constructive way (off-line) between the parties concerned.

Some have expressed the view that their enjoyment of and participation on the site has been effected by these unresolved tensions.  That alone should be a signal that we should try to act.  But ultimately its your call.

notes from no w here