I really do agree with Holger. I don't think we can understate the positive impact of the forum on the success of the class and I think anything that diverts part of the community dialog to a different environment would have unintended negative consequences.

And honestly I think it is unnecessary. I do understand the nervousness people have about the effect some lines of discussion may have on perceptions outside the class. But really, I think these tensions arise either because people aren't clear on the basic principles of the class (Rules 2.3 and 2.6) or because they think others don't understand or respect those principles.

It's not impossible for the class rules to change if there are compelling reasons (though the restricted development character of the class should make that a pretty rare event imo). And we can have good vigorous discussions about them when the need arises. But if 2.3/2.6 were to ever change (and kudos to Wouter for putting them there - if anyone understands them he does), imo, we could all pack up and go home. But I think as long as the people involved in these debates clearly understand them to be framed and constrained by the class's basic founding principles, and are careful not to mistakenly give a different impression, we should be fine.