If one backtracks up this thread, the ones who started the bashing here is quite clear - and it wasn't Chris. Whether friends or not, bashing is uncalled for and is usually the last resort of someone who lacks the knowledge or ability to defend their position civilly and logically.
What is wrong with the idea of having a discussion where people state their views and post supporting information in just a couple of posts or so without arguing ad infinitum and degenerating into baiting and bashing? At the end of the day, those who do so and hold themselves above the fray are more likely to stand out than the ones entangled in the mire.