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 like that; but it is not.

; I do not "Thank" or "Hug" publicly. Yes! I was actually confronted on an open thread:

the vileness and sneakiness of others made me more ill than I already was! I could not afford the time or energy to battle
Kudos to you iota for bringing up this most valid point! Thank you.