Manimal, there is no issue to sweep under the rug. The moderators and senior members of this board have stated their position that they believe their policies are good and make this board better than others out there.
If you don't like it, too bad. Like so much else in life there is nothing you can do about it.
Note that I am not agreeing with their policies, just acknowledging them. I myself have stated I feel mods (and senior members) are too quick to lock threads and slam posters needlessly for starting threads that may have been covered elsewhere. And I have received the same feedback you did. Nothing will change as this is how 'they' want it. So stop beating yourself up about it and move on to different boards if you must.
I myself have become mostly a browser, trying to keep up a little on the military after I left it and Canada about seven years ago. I don't bother posting to anything potentially controversial as I know the reaction I will get. It's easier this way. I belong to other boards where I can say what I want without dealing with overzealous 'board police.' One of them is christianforums.com - and I'm an atheist
I feel more welcome there.
Anyway, enough of this drivel, I'm sure I'll get a nastygram for it. Just chill out guys and move on. It will be better for everyone involved.