It does seem like the heated aspect of the issue revolves mostly around the rudeness people hassling others to wear a helmet.

The educational and legislative thrusts seem somewhat different and are part of "pro and con" causes. I suppose the heat still comes from those who want to force others to wear helmets. Some folks may not yell at others but if they cause an institution to require all riders associated with it to wear helmets then it's a move to control.