While this forum has a core purpose, it is also a just collection of people with a common interest. Over time on this forum they act like all people, they get to know each other, they wander off topic, they enquire after their health - all the things they would do if they were meeting face to face. I am sure that many of you belong to some kind of club or group, maybe even a keyboard group that actually meets. If so, you will know that while the core purpose and common interest may be clear, people are still people, social beings. Not only is that not a bad thing, it's often the attraction. Even on this virtual medium, in my view, its important to allow some of this social side, provided it doesn't get too controversial or wander too far, or too long off topic. If we get too strict about the core purpose, it can become dry and academic, and maybe not attract and hold that strong core that is its lifeblood.
Of course, occasionally that can go wrong, and sometimes people will disagree and get a little heated. But its not hard to fix it, without making it a federal case, or fundamental re-visiting of the 'purpose of the forum'. And the moderators are just members too.
One area that can be difficult in an international forum, is where we may not even realize what is and what is not considered controversial in another culture or country. So that can maybe wander over the line from time to time, and get a little heated. But we don't need to throw out the baby with the bath water, and should just deal with the individual situation.
Mike