I agree that it has become "downright obnoxious", and for me and perhaps for lurkers, can be counter-productive.
But I must say, it was never really "kind of funny" for me.
It was an environment that made me uncomfortable when I was young and hadn't yet decided to become a Catholic. Then after I converted to Catholicism, I was ostracized by former "friends".
.
That's a shame. I hae some protestant friends whom I get into some pretty intense religious discussions with, but we still respect each other. I'm sorry your "friends" weren't as respectful of you. For many, religion is more of a social clique than a real faith community, and they don't care as much about the gospel as hanging out with people who "think the right way" in their eyes.