Great post. As a newbie on here I have to tell you that the entire downvoting/flagging system is a little chilling. It's one thing to be able to downvote just to express disagreement with an idea, but since on this platform that comes with flagging consequences for the recipient, it should only be used when you think someone is being harmful to the community or abusive. By that standard, it is those who attacked your friends who was the ones deserving downvoting.
I've dared to enter into conversations on here with people with a lot more SP and reputation with me, and I have to confess to tip toeing around eggshells somewhat. There is such a power inequality that you can only really dare to express agreement unless you want to risk triggering someone with the power to really hurt your entire experience on this platform.
Occasionally I will dare to express an alternative view or at least an additional angle on something, but I always do so knowing I'm taking a risk. This can't be good for fostering the open communication among diverse viewpoints that is needed to solve the world's problems and create the world's next level of delights. And that would be the possibility of this platform if we can just get the etiquette right.
Thanks for this, be brave, speak ur truth. U will be protected!
😊