Over my time on Scuba Board, I think there are somewhat fewer ongoing 'point of view warrior' battles breaking out, at least some of the tired old debates (e.g.: adequacy of PADI & similar training, what the target end product of basic OW training should be).
That said, Scuba Board is a publicly assessable forum with a large membership, and as such will be a 'sampling' of the human race, which means a wide range of personalities, educations, personal experiences, home cultures, interaction methods and so on. Even some of our current 'hot topic' issues are discussed by most in reasonable fashion.
And there are, and perhaps always shall be, controversial issues people care about making a case for (in the context of our modern day 'culture war' mindset, where people often debate, not to change their opponent's mind, but hoping to win at least open-mindedness in onlookers).
Which is fine. Civility should remain. Modest sarcasm can emphasize a point without being too ugly. One suggestion I try to be mindful of, with variable results; be civil, even if strongly championing a cause. If your opponent results to insults, he will partially discredit himself. You can't exactly 'win' an argument, but you can make your case well. People will make up their own minds.
I think Gandhi was onto something with that 'Be the change you want to see in the world' bit.
Richard.