Fora on this topic are unique and more transitory for many due to their nature. They also have a lot of people who are disturbed (meant entirely compassionately with no insult) in various ways which adds to the instability. I also think everyone thinks "their time" and cohort is the better one, and the new kids are always the worst, but if you look at it realistically people were just as argumentative at any snapshot in the past and will be at any snapshot in the future with regard to the internet (which removes the "social nicety" filter that keeps things LESS bad irl).
To the question of "seniority"...I responded to another post about this as its a peeve of mine. I don't believe anyone, on the internet most especially, deserves respect simply because they joined at a more distant time, have thousands of "points" or otherwise think they occupy some position of status. Everyone deserves respect until they prove they do not. Too many people are in it all for themselves and their egos, obtaining status, winning arguments, taking their shit out on others is the goal. That trancends join dates. Life is hard...but not being a dick is easy. No offense to all the Richards out there.