This. In addition, there are people who are quite literally "dangerously wrong": They talk with great authority and can influence large numbers of people to fo

This. In addition, there are people who are quite literally "dangerously wrong": They talk with great authority and can influence large numbers of people to follow them, even though what they advocate is non-productive. At best they can waste immense amounts of a community's time as they cause great debates among members. (Tabs versus spaces, for example.) At worst they gain actual authority, do great damage, and then leave the community to deal with the aftermath. (Cure your diabetes through positive thinking!) So while being "nice" and "empathetic" are excellent defaults when dealing with people, it's just as important to understand when ugly ideas need to be squashed and the undecided are urged to do what needs doing.