Just from my experience, I can and do take the majority of what's posted at face value. The issue arises with serial posters of which there are many. There is a specific pattern and I know you and many others recognize and understand it. When those threads get heated (and they often do) due to repeated efforts to help and advice ignored, it raises a big red flag. A little digging affirms it. These are individuals, that for all intents and purposes, are using forums and the internet to feed their dragon and in some cases, the medium is actually part of their illness. Its as if they can't exist without it. Note how defensive they become when called out on it. The question arises as to why some of the serial posters use this medium as opposed to a personal blog or diary. If they're not going to make an effort to help themselves, then why the public audience? Again, the site is called "No More Panic" not "Feed My Dragon". Its about getting well, not perpetuating the illness. Finally, the admins are very tolerant and lenient here compared to some sites I've seen and I give them all the credit in the world. In particular, the site Phil mentioned recognizes and acts when they see a member and/or thread is doing no good and actually perpetuating the problem. That site, the members and replies were virtually identical to here. The difference is Admin stepped in and stopped the bleeding.
I do get it. The hope is that just one more post with advice will be the one that opens the sufferers eyes. Sadly, the reality is that some who are blinded by the dragon may never see again.
Positive thoughts