I'll address your last statement first.

"Friendly rivalry is one thing, but it seems to have crossed the line more than once into open warfare and I just don't think that's good."

I don't believe friendly rivalry has been the root of the board flare ups over the last month or so. It has been, in my opinion, personal agenda driven attacks by people who number in the finger count of your average cartoon character. i.e., two with real names and one or two trolls.

"Slander and libel are two of the most difficult areas to prove."

Agreed. However, proof in a court of law isn't what you might be thinking when you feel you are the victim of either offense, and, under those circumstances, your only recourse may well be a public response to such attacks. Sitting silent while your name and/or reputation is soiled in public is sometimes not an option.

It doesn't take long to figure out who starts the fights.

Please don't confuse the personality conflicts on this BB to be representative of all, or even a small part, of the people involved in this hobby. The friendships that I've made are precious and cherished, and I'm certain that ny eight-year active involvement in the hobby is still just a beginning.

Bob