Dov:
You've served many members of FT well - that I applaud and am eternally grateful to you for.

But this dialog is really going no where in my mind (remember, I'm a self avowed average person). I'd suggest you consider the following:
- moderators will be a part of FT for as long as I have anything to do with FlyerTalk. I need and very much appreciate help.
- as best we can with the tools we have, we will continue to delete and moderate flames - those situations we won't know until we see them (yes, it's kind of like art...).
- We have and will continue to believe that those being flamed are harmed. And also of equal importance, that FlyerTalk itself is harmed if flaming is SOP.
- there have been and likely will be in the future an occasional question about a judgment call made by either myself or a moderator. Apologizing in advance for not being perfect.
- That I feel very strongly that the average member of FT should never purposely be exposed to a situation whereby they have to defend themselves-though I agree they are intelligent enough. Being intelligent is not the point. What is the point is that this is not Fight Club with Brad Pitt.
- that on occasion we have and will continue to lock a thread if we feel that the tone of the thread has been altered far too greatly to return to a positive dialog. This is balanced with the content and the various members involved. Obviously certain members participation may lead us to close a thread earlier than others. This is often the result of understanding that the past is a pretty good indicator of the future with some members posts.
- that we will never conduct FT as a court of popular opinion - that is, let every issue and post run as it will, allowing each member and visitor to play the role of Simon Cowell on American Idol.

If these issues are in any way conflicting to the type of FlyerTalk you want for yourself to the degree it affects your attitude and posting pleasure on FlyerTalk, then I can only suggest that you take your leave and find the type of community that will fit your beliefs. I've never believed that freedom is free and have absolutely no problem with these guidelines as I continue my personal posting.

I hope this helps outline what you can expect from FlyerTalk. Personally, i'd like to see you continue to exist as a positive contributor to FlyerTalk, but, I may be selfish with that wish.