You're 100% right regarding the team and its dynamics. I came from (and led) a team that had strict PR, but the difference is that we had well-established 'rule

You're 100% right regarding the team and its dynamics. I came from (and led) a team that had strict PR, but the difference is that we had well-established 'rules of engagement' so to speak, and just being decent people meant tone was never a factor. Unfortunately the product was given the 'tools down' order. It's.. quite different where I am now. Change requests for untouched/irrelevant code, tone problems, etc. I'd be inclined to try and 'raise the tide' but I'm just trying to leave instead for many other reasons.