What is a shame is that it seems any discussion that involves a difference of opinion (not just on this board) descends into name calling, swearing and as you say perhaps trolling.

I'd have thought any teacher worth his or her salt would seek to encourage a lively debate with opposing views. Basic pluralism suggests there can be more than one right answer to a question and that the best ideas like cream tend to float to the top anyway. No need for all these accusations and paranoia regarding what people's motives are. In my opinion that just leads to more mud slinging which is of little use at all.