Also I have learnt that it's important that you respect your seniors here (senior as in the more established members) because they have years of experience here. Forum is no one's monopoly, but they have earnt surely trust and credibility for that respect!
Respect is not expected on an online forum, and definitely not on bitcointalk. Respect is more suited in homes or schools or in more real life situations. I understand your point, but respect isn't the word to use, you can admire users who have achieved higher ranks than you and also seek help from them, but I'll not say respect, that's the reason some users use the word "sir" which I personally consider absurd.
Respect can be used everywhere even in online social platforms. Admiring someone is just believing because of his insights, intelligence and behaviour. But if you respect someone, though it argues your opinion. You will acknowledge him. If you respect someone, you are open to his suggestion. If you admire someone, you are open because his suggestion suits in you.
How does saying sir is absurd? It is a formal way of communicating. Our industry has a lot of professional people at the same time, anonymous. Therefore, it is good if you talk with a please just like putting sir in front of his pseudonym. Besides, that three letters can set the mood of your discussion.
Respect our senior, that's why I respect your opinion sir. And I believe that in order for us to have consensus in this forum, we should respect everybody's opinion.
For OP, i agree with you. We have just to focus in learning rather than wasting our time in drama's. But then, we need also to look in that thread in order for us to be aware of what is happening in this forum.