I disagree with that assessment as well. No matter how 'thin skinned' a poster may be most of us are adults and don't get hurt feelings over honest theological disagreements. Most of the Catholics I know around here have no interest in prosyletizing on FreeRepublic so we typically don't care that others don't share our beliefs and respect for sacred tradition. What we object to are the lies, insults and calumnies that are thrown out all the time. What we object to is the fact that Catholic threads are attacked and muddied up with no consequences paid. When we complain we're assumed to be 'this skinned'.
I understand what you are saying here. I also think a re-read of #168 and its reference to the Mystical Body very well expresses the position in which Catholics on this forum find themselves. If they respond they are labeled whiners, perceived as “thin-skinned” and—God forbid—believers in and bearers of a lying, corrupt and evil religion.
No wonder Catholics feel the “personal” in the attacks on the Mystical Body of Christ, of which we are members.