I've always found the problem with Wikipedia is that it has components which usually work remarkably well together (wiki, open editing, no-privileged editors, neutrality, verifiability, quality) but since it has never defined which of these is core and which is "the means to the end", on the occasions when there is a conflict between choosing one of the elements over another we are all at sea.
Scott
Scott,
We are not "all at sea". The point is to make useful information available to the public. If that goal is keep in mind it is possible to resolve most issues by discussion. Focusing on the task at hand is the key.
Fred