I can't say I'm a total fan of "civil comments'  (the face making feature is so childish & ridiculous), but I wasn't aware it was driving people away.    

Maybe many have left because they're demonized for their political opinions.

Perhaps hard for some to believe, but I actually respect both the Trad and Prog viewpoints on Catholicism.    What irks me are those here who make these sweeping condemnations of anyone who disagrees with them.   Whether Trad or Prog, that indicates a deep lack of good faith in one's fellows.

Anyway, I enjoy a good debate.   But good debate is not the stuff of "oh yeah sez you" banter.