I agree this is the ideal situation.

However, the nature of a site like this is going to lead to personal conflicts between members. There is a reason that a lot of sites ban topics on Politics and Religion. A basic set of guidelines outlining what is acceptable means no one is in any doubt if they cross the line.

My view on this is if a discussion deteriorates into a personal to and fro between two members then they should be left to it. Unless a member is being victimised in some way and unable to defend themselves or the insults go beyond the bounds of decency then I don't think they should be interfered with. They will eventually get fed up and move on to something else.

If two members develop an antagonistic relationship which is constantly interfering in other members threads then there needs to be some conflict resolution where if they can't learn to get on then they either avoid each other or agree to stay out of other members threads. This kind of thing can only be dealt with on a case by case basis and I don't think you can set up rules for it.

This is just a personal opinion and not an official stance by any means.