The last quarter of this post has the real message. The first half will probably snatch most of the comments though because that's where all the controversial ramblings and historical inaccuracies are.
Very meta, and pretty neat.
As I pointed out in another comment, this is a attribute of how groups of people relate to one another. Citing my personal view of things only served to frame up my suggestions in the manner I was talking about, which then caused exactly the response I mention.
I think it's a facile argument to say that this is an issue about criticism only. If only it were so simple.