Why is it so difficult for a group of intelligent people to discuss ideas on their own merit?
there is no tax on being respectful.
With respect, you are unaware of the level of contempt that the BIP101 pushers are showing for anyone who disillusions them of their idea. These people aren't attempting a reasonable discussion in the first instance, and so it is only appropriate to match their zeal with opprobrium.
Of course BIP101 is a technical proposal to be discussed on it's merits; it has been dissembled, disliked, and then ruled out already. But this very vocal minority doesn't seem to want to go away gracefully.
Expect pressure to keep building up over time as Core doesn't scale.
This is just the beginning.