I am not totally sure of what it is that you want to do differently...
As others have said, we have had LOTS of debates on almost every subject here - politics, religion, whether to cohab or feed live, lol! I have never felt that I can't come right out and say what I feel, even in a passionate, but NOT insulting, way. I don't remember a thread ever being locked because it was PASSIONATE or heated, or off topic. I do remember some being locked because some people became abusive and insulting.
If you feel somebody has been insulting or abusive towards you, you should report it. Mods do not read EVERY thread, but they will check it out if it is reported. Of course, every person may see abuse slightly different than the next person. But they have seemed pretty fair to me - IF they happen to read the post in question. Don't forget - you may be reading the post from an emotional viewpoint because of your involvement in the discussion, while the mod may only be an uninvolved 3rd party, so may not be able to read into a post what you feel you are seeing.
It seems really difficult for some people to become passionate about their position WITHOUT becoming hostile and insulting to those with the opposite view. Although I do understand why some viewpoints and statements can lead to anger ( I have felt that way myself, in some threads, too), I DON'T understand why an adult would want to EXPRESS that anger in a childish way. It never accomplishes your goal of trying to get your viewpoint understood, and to persuade others of the validity of your side of the issue. But such is life, and human nature.
Plus, as mentioned before, we have at least one member forum for discussions not suitable for children. So the only things I can think of that we CAN'T do here is to insult people or become really hostile and inflammatory. I am not sure if you are asking for a forum where we CAN be hostile and insulting, or if there is something else that I am missing in your request?
