Just because one person likes one thing and dislikes something else, that shouldn't mean they need to expect attacks from the entitled dregs of the Internet.
No. They should expect attacks from the dregs of the internet because this is the internet. Social graces are at a bit of a premium unless rigorously enforced.
You, Matt, are new here. But this is hardly a new issue. EN World moderators have been fighting for general civility... since the beginnings of the boards! It has been a really serious issue since the 3e/4e edition wars starting back in 2007. There's a whole list of what I call "Dichotomy wars" that have the same basic dynamic - 3e vs 4e. New school vs old school. Forgist vs anyone else...
People get jumped on all the time. Rarely, if ever, does anyone turn to their friend and say, "Dude, I don't like Damage On a Miss either, but *that* was uncalled for!" Folks are generally very selective when they speak up about poor manners - they only complain about them when they are the target. It is really, really easy to speak up against poor treatment when you think you, or someone you agree with, is the victim. It is harder to be fair, and also speak up against it when your side is the one perpetrating the nastiness.
And until folks are interested in being even-handed about it, I don't think you'll see much change. It does no good to only point out when the other side is being naughty. You have to be willing to point out when your own side does it too.