"I'm not too worried about CeMar's hurt feelings."
This statement is contradictory to earlier ones you have made. Unless you have some sort of altruistic reason for defending CeMar.
"Motivational methods that work in a structured hierarchy often don't translate well to a context with more equilibrium, like a relationship or an anonymous message board."
'often don't' does not equal 'does not.' Do you have any proof of your assertion?
"Then why insult him? Who benefits?"
I am speaking for others here, but it is my feeling that out of frustration that CeMar cannot see the obvious problems that are creating the situation he decries, people will get a little harsh with him. It is akin to the parent that has tried gentle coaxing to stop a kid from doing something dangerous, but then resorts to more acrimonious verbage when the child doesn't listen. Generally, people on this board will try this once, before giving up on CeMar.
As far as who benefits, I think it is actually beneficial to any lurkers who may have a mindset similar to CeMar's see how frustrating his dogmatic POV really is.
"Husbands can be very supplicating and eager-to-please toward their wives from a place of caring and wanting to help, but if it isn't effective should it be encouraged?"
Are you suggesting that any ineffective behavior that comes from a place of caring should be avoided? There are some things that you have to do to be true to yourself, even if they are mostly ineffective. And who knows, maybe, just maybe, one of those mildy insulting comments will get to Cemar. If it causes him to break out of the vicious cycle he is in and start fixing his M, every failed attempt in the past would be worth it.
"If people get so frustrated by an anonymous internet poster they know nothing about that they become insulting, imagine what real life has in store for them."
I think you underestimate the power of an anonymous message board, especially one that people have been posting on for years, and especially one in which people have actually found some success, and developed frienships. Granted, most BB's are just biatch-fests. But that sort of thing is conspicuosly missing here.
Chrome
p.s. You seem remarkably adept and highly focused on pointing out the flaws of others. How does that work out for you in real life?
"Recollect me darlin, raise me to your lips, two undernourished egos, four rotating hips"
