I personally would hate to restrict anyone the ability to express opinions......differing or otherwise. I have had others differ from my opinions and it always stimulates thought on my part. For me it's a simple matter of how they're expressed and the degree someone goes to disqualify one opinion to bolster another. Without disagreement I think the board will not work. I just hope everyone disagrees with ideas and limits personal attacks.
I have viewed other boards [time constraints limit how much, so this might not be a fair assessment] and when discussion turns to personal attacks, and counter attacks, they seem to take over and I lose all interest. They also seem to upstage the good thoughts and posts that were made prior. It would seem to be simple to skim through and find where informative thoughts start again but it turns into a pain and I'm soon distracted and leave.
The alter ego idea is interesting, but I personally don't mind when administration, and/or, mods have differing opinions as long as they're expressed in a civil way. As long as no one is beat up because they like to run more, or run less, or want an emotional coach, or a subdued one or...... I'm fine.
I've come kind of late to this party so I don't probably know all prior activities (good or bad), and if I did, I might feel different, but we have plenty of enemies out there, we don't need to beat each other up. Without stimulation and disagreement however, I'm afraid we might atrophy. Stimulating, civil, thoughtful disagreement is welcomed by me.
Personal attacks, constantly beating a dead horse when proven otherwise, and trying to win an agreement for the sake of winning said argument, aren't all that palatable to me however.
Our love for our program often leads to having a personally, and emotionally, invested interest in our coaches. We need to come to terms with that imo. Attacks, or strong support, for coaches will often lead to spirited discussion. It is an area that I personally try to voice, but in a metered way. It's a little like attacking someone's family. If we don't like how a coach is acting, or performing, I think it is fine to bring up.......just be prepared for counter arguments.....some strong ones.
When a point has been made, sometimes it is just best to let it to speak for itself. It is hard to do when someone strongly disagrees, but an effort should be made imo. Also be prepared to be proven wrong. Time will often determine the winner of an argument. I've eaten crow long after I've taken a position......it happens.