Take a look at this thread, dude. The discussion about Roethlisberger started as an attack on Cassel. There's been nothing but thinly-veiled bitching about Cassel since the day we passed on Sanchez. I wasn't just talking about you.

It's been less than three weeks, first off.

And if Sanchez goes on to have an incredible career in NY I'd say that people will NEVER get over it.

See Blackledge over Marino for proof.

Personally, I don't find it to be a laughing matter, whatsoever.

To each his own.

Nothing wrong with hoping. I don't like the assertion that an honest off-season discussion, that has for the most part lacked the vitriol that people disliked when Mecca or Hamas would take up this issue, is somehow equivalent to being "unable to get over" Sanchez.

It could have been three HOURS, it doesn't change the fact that NONE of us have any control over it.

Some people get way too bent out of shape over a game that's supposed to be entertainment. Perhaps I'm just jaded, but I'm WAY past complaining about every move the team makes.

And on that tangential note, I keep seeing references to the fact that this year's n00bs have ruined the board. The constant negativity has done it's share of damage as well.

Because certain people evidently can't discuss it without taking backhanded swipes at other posters. And no, I'm not talking about you.

Take a look at the last few posts - it's me, you, and Dane disagreeing - without ANY vitriol. Hell, you and I have been arguing about this for over TWENTY FOUR HOURS without any shouting or name calling.

I've got a whole lot more youthful energy left to channel into surly negativity. Sports have already made me an unhappy, bitter husk of a person, but I'm too committed to stop now. I'm no quitter.

That's good, right? Like, its fine that we can have this argument? I hope that it is.

ROFL

I've got plenty of "real life" to piss me off. I lost my vested interest in football a few years ago. Hell, I'm fairly certain it was the day Vermeil's boys pissed away that game to Philly at home.

If it weren't for this place and the discussion, I'm not sure I'd even follow it that closely anymore.

Well, that's what a discussion forum is for, right? To present our own point of view of an issue, decision, action or inaction of our beloved football team. And if the subject is continually brought up, then I'd assume that it would be continually discussed.

As much as you'd like it to just go away, it won't. I assume that it will be a sticking point until Cassel proves himself to be worthy of passing on Sanchez. Which to this point, is far from proven.

Then don't. No one's forcing you to participate, pro or con.

LOL. That's a reference to multiple neg reps I've received from a certain n00b who would leave that message with nearly each and every post I'd make in a certain thread.

Absomahlutely.

And this is exactly the reason why some folks have left recently.

There are several n00bs that have entered discussion intent on name-calling and busting balls. Guys with less than 500 posts just ripping away at people. Personally, I'll rip right back (as would Hamas) but Mecca, CC and some of the other guys just aren't cut out for it and decided to bail.

It's a shame, really.

Ugh. That game was infuriating. I had just finished up a matinee performance of The Diviners at NWMSU that day, and I snuck out of set take-down to go eat with my family. That game was on the TV and it was just brutal to watch.

By all means, yes. I didn't ask anybody to stop posting. In fact, a couple of the worst "offenders" are guys I wish would come back.

The fact that the two are going to be continually compared is ridiculous. What happens if we don't trade for Cassel and STILL pass on Sanchez? Sanchez isn't a Chief, wasn't a Chief, and probably won't ever be a Chief. Cassel should be judged on his own merits - what Sanchez does from here on out is irrelevant.

Again, I'm not suggesting anybody should not post. It's all part of the discussion. If we all agreed on everything, this place would be pretty boring.

It wasn't the name-calling that caused people those guys to leave. It was the constant assault of telling them that they weren't allowed to criticize Pioli at all. A lot of posters, many of them these n00bs/dupes with less than 500 posts, wanted a more positive environment (which is fair, I suppose). But to achieve it, they chose to make anything that seemed "negative" at all an unforgivable sin.

Then Thigpen will always be compared to Sanchez & Cassel.

Pioli had to address the QB situation. He had a number of options to pick from. He chose to acquire Cassel. The other options, especially in the short term, are always going to followed for the "what if?" factor. It may not be fair, but its simply a fact that the comparison is going to be made.