From my experiences, as soon as threads initially not about religion or politics turn into debates about religion or politics, they are almost always unsalvagable.
My reaction to Sapphira's post, at the time, was vitriolic, but this is because:
1) I had just had someone in real life try to tell me exactly what I had descbired a few hours prior,
2) I had somewhat misread the post, and somehow mentally overlooked the "suggestion" comment,
3) My reactions to things are, sometimes, volatile and unpredictable.
I'll take back any ill feelings that may have been implied in that thread. But I'm still frustrated about people who feel the need to tell me things like what I described in my initial post. Re-reading Saph's post, and its context within the thread, I can see now that it wasn't intended like I read it as, and I apologise for my quick, sort-of thoughtless snapping back.
So... ya. My experiences with video games. I can't possibly see how the Jack Thompson ideal even remotely applies to myself. I've neever been any sort of fan of the GTA series, or any first person shooters, or those kinds of games. Only FPS I ever played for any time was Goldeneye. Only fighting game (if you can call it such) I played for any time is SSB(M). Unless you can turn the E-rated Mario games into violent smashfests. Which typical politicians tend to be able to do.
In fact, a good deal of my friendships come from video games. And poker, but that's for another thread altogether. Just like most of that couple you mentioned's friends come from model trains. Seriously. You find something you like, and meet other people who have a common interest. What difference does it make if that interest is video games or model trains?