I read all the responses and appreciate all the input on this.
I think we all need to step back and take a deep breath and chill.
Now, on to the forum. I believe a lot of the problems are because of growth and an overall change in the public's perception of the Internet. Long ago, it was seen as a novelty and people were not as brave and outspoken to speak their mind as they are now. They saw it as a new and unexplored medium to get help and answers. Now, as everyone knows about it and uses it, it's become much more of an everyday thing. The "newness" has worn off and people are more brazen and willing to say whatever they feel. I think this is a big part of why everyone thinks the forum has gone downhill. This, along with huge growth is what you see today.
How do you stop it? Ban all the members for a start. But it will slowly creep back to the way it was. The banned members will still come back that cause all the problems as there is no way to totally stop them from posting, as of yet. You need to have a fair, solid, moderation base in order, which I believe we do. But everyone makes mistakes, which we have. The issue of Mike being in the wrong is still being discussed and appropriate action will be taken when everything is out.