I never remember having a hard time with Spation that ever lasted too terribly wrong (if at all), but I was new and opinionated at that point thinking people actually cared about input. But I can agree with his generalization about the forums. People are far too quick to flame and hate to look edgy and cool to people they hardly know outside of the internet. That is what I find rather pathetic, and I have been guilty of this, myself, so I speak from experience.
If he doesn't return, I'll at least salute his exit.