Uhm, I think the question posed was "Flames, why do people bother?". Not "can't we all agree all the time".

It is possible to discuss things without flaming. Where even people who disagree about topics can discuss them and "get along" while they do it. I believe modern culture has defined this as "debating".

Its that whole "free speech" thing those early Americans were so big on. The kind without censorship - heckling.

Y'know, really? Why bother?