I suppose that, as "a Buddhist discussion forum", DW posters should _try_ to keep to some standard of compassion and openness to understanding opposing points of view.
However, as another poster said, still, it's just the Internet. So I suppose a balance should be aimed for. And it should be borne in mind that even the most even-tempered people can react negatively, and even informed, wise people can sometimes make mistakes or sincerely post misinformation while believing that they are posting accurate, helpful information.
I've seen videos of Tibetan monks "boxing" by challenging opponents' views - one partner proposes his view and loudly claps his hands to signal that he wants to hear his partner's reply, and then the process is reversed. These guys seem to have found a way of expressing strongly differing views under a strict rules-rubric, watched over by their fellow students and their teachers. That kind of "fighting" seems exemplary toward showing us how to conduct arguments within Buddhist groups.