Wikipedia is not a public forum. It's not a place for people to come and exchange views. The Internet already has such a place: it's called Usenet, or "newsgroups".
Wikipedia is a project to create freely editable encyclopedia articles.
Unlike a forum, Wikipedia has strict rules of etiquette. Whereas it's perfectly acceptable in forums to impugn the character of other participants, Wikipedia has a "no personal attacks" policy.
Unlike a forum, Wikipedia has no interest in determining the "winner" of a debate. So it doesn't matter who's cleverest, loudest, or keeps at it the longest. What goes and what stays is determined only by (a) accuracy and (b) NPOV.
Unlike a forum, Wikipedia produces an ever-increasing body of work, which is organized for the benefit of the public.
I could go on, but I hope you get the point.
Uncle Ed