In the case of HN I don't see a problem with vitriol being rewarded more than politeness. Generally it seems there is already a strong bias towards civility in

In the case of HN I don't see a problem with vitriol being rewarded more than politeness. Generally it seems there is already a strong bias towards civility in terms of voting. Just as insults don't add to the discussion neither does apologising for merely disagreeing with a point of view.