Quote: "Are people that protective over things that they love and will go to extreme lengths to penalize any who contradict them in the slightest way?"
Sadly yes, good man. Even if people do not actually believe in what they protect, they will protect it with their lives. Some people morbidly fear being disappointed and equivocated. That is why these wars exist:
. Religion wars;
. OS wars. There are small wars even between users of different versions/distros of OS's;
. Console wars;
. And other wars based merely on opinion or on what momma and pappa or the best friend said.
Some people can not live with and learn from others' opinions. They will always exist. But they are a proof that you have your own opinion. Fell free to rant and curse.
Have fun blogging.
Cheers.