"...Would you ignore untruths told about you that were spread throughout a community you care about? Would you feel it an effective response to do this?..."

FWIW, yes, I have! It took me a while to learn to do so - and it's admittedly often VERY tough, but I really try to do just that!

It's just not worth tearing down the entire site for what I personally know/feel to be true. One need give others the benefit of the doubt and also the benefit of making their own decisions, IMHO!