I have to say, there´s a lot of (unintentional) bigotry on both sides here. Neither the so-called optimists nor the pessimists were ever proven to be completely right or wrong, both are guilty of opressing the other "side`s" perspective (panic button threads, anyone?), both consist of smart and not-as-smart posters, and both have their fair share of jokes at the other side`s expense. Whichever side you´re on, you´re not an ounce more of a fan than anyone else who spends his free-time on this site.
I´m a firm believer that honest criticism is a good thing, but can definitely understand anyone who prefers a supportive atmosphere in the game threads.
I have to agree with Roy, though, that if you´re tired of too many negative posts in the game threads, the best thing you can do is to make even more positive posts yourself. After all, if you don´t want to participate, you have no right to complain. And if you want to, you can´t expect anyone else to share your opinion.
I don´t know anything about the technical aspects, but the only solution I can offer is the same I suggested in the last thread: a temporary ignore button, which lets you ignore someone for no longer than three hours, basically a "cool down" button. People could enjoy the game threads again (or the whole forum, on particularly bad days), but would start at zero the next time they log on.
I wouldn´t need it myself, but if it helps other posters to enjoy this site more, while keeping the spirit of this site alive, I´m all for it.
EDIT: Just saw greg683x´s post. Nevermind