3 things:

1) I moderate a default on Reddit. It has a long and contentious queue of reported comments. One of the words we auto-report is "retarded." Most comments involving the word "retarded" add nothing to the general discourse. Not true for all comments, but most. I say this not to scold, but to give the perspective of one who reads "never go full retard" and "you talk like a fag and your shit's all retarded" 7-10 times a day. Suffice it to say - starting an argument with the word "retarded" is kind of like stepping to the podium and picking your nose. Doesn't mean you're an idiot, but it mostly scores points with nose-pickers. I too am often guilty but if you're wondering where the tenor went sideways, there it is.

2) Until Hubski rolls out the new version of the site, we use a semi-peculiar implementation of markup. The upper-right corner of the comment window will tell you just how semi-peculiar.

quotes, for example, are surrounded by pipes.

I actually didn't read your comment until now because I didn't recognize your name and you were using Reddit markup. And because it's been a busy day and I likes me some whitespace.

3) But holy shit you managed to get a plus sign in there without breaking things which I'm incapable of doing so I guess I shouldn't say boo about markup. That said, 3 plus 2 only equals 4 in Indiana.

I really have no substantive arguments with your point. However, it's apparently my job to "give you the business." Consider the business given. Welcome.