About the design threads...
I think it reveals a deeper truth about RPG players. We're pretty convinced, as a group, that we could "do it" (design RPGs, write adventures, etc.) better than the pros if only we had the time, resources and inclination. And maybe some of us could.
What that turns into sometimes is an attitude of utter contempt for the designers and the companies. That attitude is always going to put us in the role of "bitchy customer". It's not a very pleasant atmosphere to be in most of the time, in my opinion. Constructive criticism has its place. "The designers were smoking crack" or "they did XYZ just to irritate us" [or to cater to lazy/unskilled/stupid customers], and similar, does not have a place here. Again -- in my opinion.
The 4E threads are a different matter -- as I've said in other threads, I think there's the spectre of this community fragmenting when that fateful day arrives.