I remember that. When the option was available I chose to see all posts, but recently I think the volume of vanity posts has become much heavier.
Their solution is to just isolate the "stupid" posts somewhere that they don't ever have to even see.
I can understand your point. Perhaps there is greater utility in using different forums for those who want to gravitate along ideological lines. IOW, a "Christian conservative" forum, "libertarian" forum, and so on. That might reduce the flame wars.
Hopefully everyone will give it some time to settle out. I'm sure John Robinson will be receptive to user feedback and make changes accordingly.
It is already apparent to me that some feedbacks are more equal than others.