I agree with your basic premise here, iota.
I wish it could be that simple; and that others would be that honest, and supportive.

Unfortunately, when I have, in the past taken a stance which was not popular on an open thread; I was attacked publicly, only to discover; to my detriment, that they are not.
As others have stated herein, it does not happen here, or IRL like that.

People will be "sneaky", hurtful, and unkind (I have not ever understood why, here or IRL?) They will be confrontational just to see how you will react.
I wish, with all my heart that it could be as you say; but it is not. Others watch with fascination, rather than involve themselves...human nature?
This is why I try not to post on open threads anymore; and, also--this time out; I do not "Thank" or "Hug" publicly. Yes! I was actually confronted on an open thread:

"Why did you "Thank" that post, Theodora?" No one did anything. Nasty! Confrontational, all I had done was press the "Thank" button!
So, now people want to know why I do not even "Hug" button or "Thank" button? They think I do not thank others...or hug...I do! I do it via private messages to avoid further confrontations. I reply to newcomers, and friends, and open threads via Private.
I left here for 5 months, deleted my account; the vileness and sneakiness of others made me more ill than I already was! I could not afford the time or energy to battle the rude, disrespectful behaviors of others on the site.

I am going to post this. Watch what happens...I won't be back to view it either...
as I've said in the past? "I wrote what I wrote, it stands, I mean it from my heart! Have at it!!!......let the arrows fly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! La di da! "**garrin**

Kudos to you iota for bringing up this most valid point! Thank you.