I don't think it's fair to blame over-zealous moderation or administration for DT being quiet. The thing that I like about DT Talk is that you can more or less say anything. Ok, some folk may disagree with you and call you a name but you won't get banned for it. I know you've been banned a couple of times before and in all honesty I can't remember the particular reasons. It used to be the case that if someone got banned it was discussed by admins/mods first before anything was done. And the majority had to be in agreement before someone was punted. The only folk I can remember getting bans were Stoney, Minijc and of course Rocket. All 3 are now welcome to post here again.
The reason it's quiet? I'd say the reason that it's quiet is because it's too quiet. Sounds odd, doesn't it. But The likes of FJ and Dave_Min post more on AFC Chat (I guess) because there's a lot more going on. the more regular members that we can retain the more likely we are to get new regulars.
Then again if you believe what's posted on the Hat the main reason for this place being quiet is because on two occasions the forum crashed and a lot of posts and members were lost each time. If folk weren't put off after the 1st crash they definitely were by the 2nd one. It's a shame but it may take Hat doing the same thing for us to poach back some regular posters.
No one said you can't criticize Calderwood? Or Langfield? You can say what you like (within reason). As long as you're prepared for folk to disagree (as is their right) although you'll get nothing but agreement from me regarding Calderwood and Clangers. Fucking hopeless.
Your debate with Dandy_Don has nothing to do with the fact that he's an admin (founded the forum in fact) but merely down to your differing viewpoints on the Yes/No campaigns. It's strange because essentially you both agree. Didn't D_D say he'd have votes yes if he'd been here?