"I get the impression, some posters are being put down for having a different opinion."

Whining about things that are well known and that no one can have any affect on is not an opinion. It is an unfortunate mental state. Opinions express points from both sides of an argument that have worthy points and facts over which to debate. The aim is too bring about enlightenment not wallowing in myre.... to say nothing of the real intention. If the would-be-manipulators on these sites would just realize how transparent their interests were I should think they'd be embarrassed... except for the fact that this type of human being likely isn't capable of that.