I still would prefer more general chat sections.

If there was a totally un-moderated silly fun section and a serious discussion zone (with light moderation, total ban on profanity, insults etc) I think most of the flare ups we see here wouldn’t happen.

The personal problems sections are really useful and for the most part people are respectful there.
No moderation on highly contentious topics is inviting tension. I never said I would stop reading off topic. I started posting here again because people were posting about very deep depression and suicidal thoughts etc and it felt wrong not to add my sympathy to the rest of the people posting here. Once I did that it seemed a bit daft not to voice my opinions of the rating of Terminator movies etc. But I was very nervous about doing so because when I read certain opinions that goad me I respond and get very emotionally engaged in my responses and which generates similarly emotionally charged responses with people that my responses have upset. Life it too short.

Off-Topic as it currently exists doesn’t really work well anymore and hasn’t for years.

It seems daft to me to have a whole forum category devoted to General Chat with only one section called “Off Topic” in it. Surely general chat is off topic??