Hershey, I got the impression you were learning things about this forum that you were not aware of before, that did not make you happy. When you tied this to existing threads, you missed a very important one "Where is pitracer going?" and some of the comments as to how pitracer is perceived by outsiders.
Like many, I was touched and impressed by two very classy and professional responses to criticism in the threads you mentioned by CTMX and Frank. it is so rare to see these types of responses on here. I was happy to see both the complaints and the responses posted as an example of how things should be.
In "where is pitracer going" the word clique came up a lot. It seems to be a bigger mystery to the insiders than where new racers come from. This site's regulars are mostly of the category I call "well funded, serious, bike only, racers". They have their favorite sanction, tracks, and promoters. Criticism of their world vision or their favorites is met with immediate defensiveness piled on by people who may not even have any personal knowledge of the specific situation being discussed. What ousider wants to come into this unless they are already part of the insiders' circle? Most remain lurkers who come here for the race schedules, and won't get involved.
Hershey is surprised at how people he knows reacts when you disagree with them. Imagine how an outsider feels when they unknowingly post an observation that is taboo here.
For me, I've been here almost as long as Pitracer, so I don't mind stirring the pot. I try to make my criticisms factual and not emotional, diplomatic, and not derogatory, and to express them as clearly as I can, but I've still come to the realization that some of the most obvious problems and issues in the sport are off limits on pitracer, because they will be met with anger and hostility instead of thoughtful consideration.