I've been watching this thread (and sneaking a peek at reddit) and I'm absolutely aghast at what I'm seeing. 
In all my years at MN I've never known such ill-feeling, amongst everyone.
I've not posted for quite some time now, because I've had lots of RL issues going on, bereavement and being diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, being a couple of things. Life is very scary and not much fun at the moment, but you know what makes it worse ?
Mnet has changed beyond all recognition in recent years. I would hazard a guess that had I asked for help with my issues I would have received a few responses offering advice and support, but having just lurked and read threads for ages I have been too scared to because of all the nasty, vitriolic posters that have infected this site with bile, and vile comments and opinions that would not have been allowed to stand in 'times gone by'.
I've also observed that possibly due to new staff, the relationship between posters and HQ has for whatever reason changed. It did used to feel like a community here, where we all looked out for one another, as per the byline "by parents for parents".
Now, it feels anything but. The supportive threads are few and far between. Its harder and harder to observe that people post here for support and for the community.
I appreciate that things change but I really am so shocked at how the forum has changed. I'm also sad that so many of the mn 'friends' I had on here have now gone, and the community I knew has changed beyond all I knew.
I have no idea why I've posted this. From what I've seen, some fantastic, lovely and yes, long standing mnetters have left for new fields, and what I knew of mn has gone.
Its just so sad. And I'm sorry, Justine, I've never had issues with staff, or you, I don't think, but seeing you personally attacking Stratters is horrible to see.
I appreciate tensions and feelings are running high but is this really how you want the forum to go ?
We used to be able to call a twat and twat and trolls were, it seemed, swiftly dispensed. Now, its all trolls and huns and nastiness.
As I said, I've no idea really why I posted this. I'm stunned, really, at the breakdown between posters and HQ. Being a long time member, maybe I'm hoping my little humble opinion might count a teeny bit ?
Probably safer to be a lurker these days. It feels like I'm watching the forum implode - a victim of its own success.
If any of posters who recognise me read this hello, goodbye, I'll miss you all. Thanks for all the great threads.
MrsV xxx