I think the point has already been made, but just to re-iterate, I think a lot of issues arise due to the written word not being interpreted in the same way it would be were it to be spoken. Hearing tone of voice and seeing body language counts for so so much.
I will openly say this - and I don't think they will mind one bit - Take H21 for an example. I think we quite often misinterpret each others posts, and subsequently disagree, in the forum environment. Yet on the (fair few) times we've met in person, Eg on one of our scottish holidays, the Telford meet, I think a Lakes meet.... we will chit chat, have a beverage, and get on absolutely fine with no misunderstanding at all.
TB's the same. I find him (or should I Say, his writing style) as blunt as a desert spoon on the forum. If I didn't know the chap personally, I would think I'd offended him. When we've been working on a car together, (Changing tractor gearboxes) and taking the piss out of each other (and tunnie!) with lots of laughts, it is a much more accurate representaion of the relationship/friendship/dynamic/whatever you want to call it.
I don't think that can be displayed on a forum in the same way. Maybe we just need to accept that?
I personally am keen to re-kindle some old friendships on this forum, especially as I will soon only be living a stones throw away from a lot of members, in Bucks!