Phil's comments ring true imo.
I really try to word my comments as if we're all face to face (in part, due to working many years in direct contact with the public (i.e. paying customers). If I'm wrong, I'll usually admit it. If not, I often just "let it go" after I've attempted to make my point once or twice.
It's also probably a good idea for us to "sit on our comments for a day" when we attempt to engage in a thread that has gone "edgy" for some reason or another. The funny thing is that I rarely, if ever, post heated comments after they've cooled off for about a day or so.
And ya, there are countless other forums, of all topics, that are contaminated with trolls that get their "kicks" out of rubbing everyone the wrong way. The Bike Forums is great place to avoid such nonsense.
Besides, at age 50+, I no longer have the time and energy to "engage" with people who argue and/or make spiteful comments for no other reason than to be combative and/or ugly.