Allow me, please, to take a shot at this as I have been mulling over what you've written pretty much since you'd posted it.
Firstly, I am not qualified to pick up the torch--and do not have any desire to do so.
Secondly, and more importantly, as it was explained to me in some class I took in college, nobody can upset you. You can, however, allow yourself to become upset. I most assuredly would not give any member the satisfaction of knowing something he had written truly upset me. Ain' happenin'!!
Lastly, the member always has an option. Moderation once cited me for "contentiousness." Rather than dispute the characterization, I reviewed my conduct and decided if a post had the potential of bringing out the worst in me, I would simply scroll away. Had I felt the OP was anything but unobjectionable, I can choose to engage him knowing full well a firing squad awaits, or PASS. I choose the latter. Are there any true victories to be had on a Chat Board? I think not. [I hold you, Neophyte or not, in the highest regard.]