Carol: My guess is that pretty much everyone commenting here has and
continues to, read the GGTF case. I also agree that Eric can be harsh
and his use of certain words offends people. Likewise others in this
case also didn't act very well.
Personally I think the term he
used or the references you used are only offensive if people let them be
and a lot of folks seem to be acting like children about using
"naughty" words and language. Personally, I agree with your metaphor and
it suits the situation quite well because I think parties on both sides
of this debate are getting screwed and I don't think the Arbcom result
is going to do anything but make sure no one wants to touch any
gender/gender gap related articles.
Its also noteworthy that disruption of talk pages is a common tactic
used on WP by both sides of arguments, that's not an Eric specific thing
but I do agree that needs to be addressed as an institutional problem
on the project in general including the Arbcom. Turning pages into a
battle grounds to justify blocks are something I have become familiar
with lately.
Sarah: My guess is that calling one Mr. and one Carol is because they do not know if its Miss, Ms. or Mrs and Mr. is what it is. I doubt its deliberately being disrespectful to her.