They are opinion shapers. we have all seen screen names recently that we've never seen before although they signed up years ago. They come here to stir dissent and create an atmosphere of anger and drive a wedge between Republicans.
#####
Loads of antagonistic '98 and '99 Freepers show up during very contentious times. So many show up on the same threads that the first time I noticed the phenomenon I thought disruptors had learned how to hack their signup date. I was assured that was not possible. So they have to be deepseated opinion movers as you suggest.
When FR started to get popular and when we made headlines with some research about various issues (Buckhead and the CBS fake memos, letting the MDM media know a picture of a soldier in Iraq being held hostage was actually a GI Joe DOLL - long story), the left started to get worried.
They need to shut us down. That's one reason why there have been lawsuits about copywrite issues files against Jim Robinson.
So the leftists sign up here and either take the time to establish their credentials as conservatives and slowly start to turn, or they don't post for years and then when an issue comes along, and election season ('06) comes along, they go to work.
I think a lot of DU types signed up during Clinton's impeachment.
They surface occasionally.
Perhaps the above freepers may not live on FR 24/7 or, like myself, peruse the threads and seldom feel the need to contribute to the prattle.
Most 98'ers joined because Clinton was a rank piece of sh*t who stained the office of the presidency.
FR became a great place to hang, but it's a shame that the "true believers" want to bust up the site. I get contentious cause I don't want FR to lose it's luster.
Democracy sucks sometimes, but sometimes you gotta give to get. The fire breathers have a constructive roll to play; they just need a good beat down occasionally.