The problems in 2007, which came to a head in the last couple of months of that year, arose from personal attacks and indeed the different American and European interpretations of freedom of speech. They drove members like couw, deus62/neveronfriday and a few others away. I was also very upset and left the board for a while.
I miss couw - the board was a better place with his contributions.
You're right. Unfortunately, he has no intention to return.
Please send my regrets about this to John, if possible. He was a good guy. (and hopefully still is...)
miss couw 2. he was a lotta fun.