I've seen several references to the rules forum being the thickest hive of mindless bickering on EN World. I don't post there much except when I want help on specific issues, so I have a hard time understanding how the RUles forum could be such a heated place.
To illustrate this, let me put forward two hypothetical (note--not typical) conversations, one in the rules forum and one in general:
RULES FORUM:
Poster 1: How many HP does a Level 1 Fighter with a 14 con have?
Poster 2: 13 HP.
Poster 3: No, it's 11 HP.
Poster 2: No, you're wrong, it's 13.
Poster 3: No I'm rigth, it's 11. You're wrong.
Poster 1: (scratches head)
Poster 2: I am sure I'm right. Let's check the SRD.
* * *
Poster 2: Well, it's actually 12.
Poster 3: Yes, that's correct.
Poster 1: Thanks everyone.
Poster 2: You're welcome, and sorry POSTER 3.
Poster 3: No, I'm sorry. My fault.
Poster 2: My fault too. Peace and smiles.
Poster 3: Ditto.
Poster 4: So how many HP does a level 1 Wizard have with an 8 CON?
Poster 2: I think it's 4.
Poster 3: No, I think it's 2.
Poster 2: I think i'm right and you're wr-; Um, let's check the SRD...
GENERAL FORUM
Poster 1: Balance is more important than flavor.
Poster 2: No, Flavor is more important than balance.
Poster 1: No, Balance is more important. Unbalanced games are discouraging for players.
Poster 2: No, flavor is more important. Balance makes games stale and boring.
Poster 1: No, I'm RIGHT.
Poster 2: No, I"m RIGHT.
* * *
Poster 1: I'M RIGHT.
Poster 2: YOU'RE WRONG.
Poster 1: YOU'RE WRONG.
Poster 2: I'M WRONG
Poster 1: I'M WRONG
Poster 2: (chuckles) Gotcha!
Poster 3: OD&D (1974) is the on-
Everyone: Shut Up!
Poster 1: I'm Right