There has always been freedom of speech here, nothing has changed, nor who has volunteered their time.
Everyone is able to provide their own viewpoints and insight as long as this is done in an amiable manner.
When members are rude towards each other, not only does it potentially negatively effect the person the rudeness is directed towards, but also towards everyone who reads the offending/rude post. In turn, it brings the whole atmosphere of the site down.