As a past participant "in the now-defunct OT forum", I think you're seriously over-generalizing about the participants; but I guess that's your opinion.

However, I think most active participants would disagree. Sure, there were a few bad apples - just like there are in any open environment, but most of us could disagree one day and still get along the next; whether it looked that way or not.

The thing that gets me is that anyone who found it to be "a forum for hate-mongerers" could have easily hid the forum entirely and never bothered with it again. There were other options, IMHO, but they were never given a chance. The mods have the ability to ban anyone, which is what should have been done, for one. If they had to weed out everyone, then so be it; it is, after all, R'osity's site. However, because of the actions of a few, the majority have to live with the consequences; not the most optimal solution.

Now, before you think I'm speaking of you mateo, let me clarify right here and now that I'm not; I'm just quoting you because it's convenient and I'm too lazy and tired to go to other threads. :)

There were choices on everyone's side that could've avoided closing two fora, and we're all supposed to be adults capable of making those choices for ourselves. I, for one, just so happen to disagree with the decision, but not R'osity's ability to make or enforce it. It just seems too over-the-top and heavy-handed for me. If a dog bites you on the ankle, you don't have to remove the whole leg if you tend to it properly and in time.