Political wind is blowing against us. Leads to disenchantment, boredom, purges, etc. Witness the fight between Rudy and anti-Rudy FReepers, exchanges like that tend to drive people away, especially lurkers.
I think mergeing to center has taken place on both sides of the fence.
Many could no longer identify with their offical party line.
Someone around here quoted Voltaire " The perfect is the enemy of the good".
Or, If you will not accept anything but the whole pie you are doomed to death by starvation.
"Witness the fight between Rudy and anti-Rudy FReepers, exchanges like that tend to drive people away, especially lurkers."
I come here for the fights. Much more informative than polite chit-chat.