TECSHARE, I think it's the same for both sides..
You saw one newbie earlier in this thread speaking out against Og and he instantly got attacked and labelled a sockpuppet. Although chances are high they are, it still is the same as when people voice their opinion against the other side.
I usually get shit for having certain people on my trustlist etc. but I'm just trying (lately) to be more neutral with it all. Constant fighting leads to nothing but pain and misery and I do believe we could all benefit here without all of the drama. In the past I was afraid to speak up against certain people in public as I was afraid of the repercussion it would bring. None of these people are currently on my trust list today though.
All in all I think we could all learn things from each other and strive for greatness and positivity rather than the current rot we are in.
I really don't know what you mean by "the same for both sides" as it doesn't really make any sense. Do you really believe that newbies are randomly showing up with strong opinions in meta right off the bat? Come on man I know you are not that naive.
I agree all the infighting is shit, but you know what, without that drama no one gives a FUCK about any of this, until it is their ass in the sling of course, then suddenly their eyes are wide open. It is really easy to let it all be when you are not a target and find yourself comfortably within the in group, and of course there is strong incentive to stay there by not rocking the boat.
People have already decided they are going to penalize me because of their personal feelings or ulterior motives. As a result, I really don't have any incentive to be very nice any more now do I? The ones who know I am trustworthy will continue to trust me and the ones who have judged me will continue to do so even if I start handing out hugs and ass kisses. That is the flip side of the in group, people ostracized with no avenue for redemption. So be it, I will do my best to be a thorn in the side of the worst perpetrators until people start doing something about these issues.