I'd like to point out that often in a discussion with an ideologue, you are as much making a case for your position to the ideologue as you are making a case to the audience.
Another reason to be less "You're an idiot" and more "You show a poor understanding of X,Y,Z. Perhaps you should inspect things more carefully before mouthing off."
Our personal attacks clause is often relaxed when the poster engages in clever aphorisms and displays an understanding of wit.
The clause, consequently, is strongest against "You're a douchebag loser crack addict."
Another reason to be less "You're an idiot" and more "You show a poor understanding of X,Y,Z. Perhaps you should inspect things more carefully before mouthing off."
Our personal attacks clause is often relaxed when the poster engages in clever aphorisms and displays an understanding of wit.
The clause, consequently, is strongest against "You're a douchebag loser crack addict."
Slave to the Patriarchy no more
