I agree TMC is a knowledgable, respected member of the board. I loved reading all of his stuff. And I was sad to see him go and quite frankly, didn't understand it.
At the end of the day, I disagreed with the way he got offended like that and went storming off.
It is a message board after all. Part of what makes it viable and real is that posters sometimes go at it. Heck, the abuse I've taken on the political side - some of it deserved, I guess

- would have been more than enough to get pissed off and bail on the site. Sometimes when you clash with another poster, or posters, it can get pretty heated. Then again, if you step back from it you realize it is kind of what makes it fun. I figure most everyone on here is old enough to fend for themselves, a little disagreement, arguing, mudslinging never hurt anyone. Supe's the exception, I know he's only 13, so I handle him with kid gloves.
Spike and I go at it all the time. Indy, Tim and others (too many to list here) hate my guts on the political side. Here in the football threads you'll find guys constantly criticizing, ribbing, chiding each other. Sometimes it's fun and games, sometimes it's not. Once in a while things get out of hand, people get pissed off, certain things get said that probably shouldn't. But life goes on. 99% of the time it seems pretty good-natured with no ill will involved.
I guess what I'm saying - just like in real life, at the workplace, with friends & family - you got to have thick skin. It would be easier if we'd be sitting around drinking beers having these discussions, but we're not. It's hard to figure out if someone's serious, or being witty or ironic. Some people put a lot of thought into their posts, others come blazing in typing mindless gibberish.
I'd welcome TMC back with open arms. His football acumen considerably raises the quality of discourse, which is always a good thing.