Regarding "agent provocateurs", it could simply be a matter of someone stirring the squabble pot without realizing but it could be someone provoking intentially...divide and conquer tactics are ancient.
Right, but, why divide and conquer this thread? What would be gained, by anyone, by doing that?
I can't say for absolutely certain, of course.
However, I'm convinced that there are no such agents involved in this.
It just smells extensively like normal flawed humans with some anxieties, pride, chips on some shoulders, fatigue, frustrations etc.
And some strong convictions that THEIR perspective is the most accurate, righteous, patriotic, . . . whatever . . . of the several at issue.