The only reason the thread does not die is because those engaged are passionate about the topic. It usually comes down to 2/4 people who hang around trying to get their point across to the others. When people get bored, they leave.
Ain't that the truth. Stale threads are rarely resuscitated... fresh energy tends to be poured into fresh threads, even if they embody the same themes that have been gone over umpteen times before.
Certain topics go on and on simply because you'll never get everyone on side. Thankfully! I can scarcely imagine a world in which everyone agreed. Chronic boredom!
There's a vast difference between the kumaya/cream-o-wheat in the Lounge and "THE THREADS THAT WOULDN'T DIE!"
Isn't it possible to have SOMETHING SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN?
Sure. If a thread continues, "you're a homophobe" "no I'm not" "yes you are" infinity, we all know how stupid it is. The personal attacks are stupid and threads that switch to that are just plain dumb. It's unfortunate that some good threads get derailed too quickly by this tactic to try to shut someone up but we all can see how dumb it is and don't need someone pointing it out.
But only if you are a participant. Don't participate, don't become forum cop pointing out stupid,(yes, I have committed this offense and I call myself really stupid for doing it), just ignore it. Stupid eventually peters out .