[quote=mdk]
When a squabble gets continually longer with each post, that means that the people involved aren't interested in resolving the issue, or in learning any lessons, or in growing, or whatever. The only exception to the rule is when a single piece of information, for instance a related experience, or a quote from a reputable source, drives your response to be longer than the original question asked.

So what are people interested in accomplishing, by posting increasingly longer arguments?
[/quote]

For me. Elucidating certain points and view points to the extent that will be coherent to all participating parties.