[cornelis]

I don't honestly see a great deal of difference between the discourse quoted above and normal political bar conversation

Perhaps another comparison would be more beneficial then?

[Billthedrill]

Oh, no, I think it's fairly close, just that the author seems to have his expectations set a little high for what is essentially anonymous conversation between strangers. That's not much of a recipe for politesse. At FR is isn't, exactly, strangers, which is one clue to why the level of discourse seems (to me, anyhow) higher here than your average IRC. You don't get "that's below your usual standard" at an IRC; you do, here.