You know what I find interesting about this entire submission? The new people that you, kleinbl00, ecib, etc. are talking about are almost nowhere to be found in this discussion. I'm not sure how to feel about this, but this discussion is comprised almost entirely by people who have been here a very long time. I will say that I haven't seen too much in terms of dilution based on who I follow, but I will say that you are absolutely right when it comes to how the comment system has been altered since the last influx. I have noticed a change in "lets have a discussion about this subject" to "here's my opinion because that's what I feel like talking about, not yours".
Their not being here could be a good thing. Maybe they're reading it and getting introspective and learning what they're doing wrong. Maybe they're self aware of what they're doing by it. I hope so. That's my plan with all my long winded posts and the "state of hubski" and quelling issues. But probably not. More than likely they're just not aware of what they're doing wrong or don't care, but eventually they'll see these things and might learn. if there's an old guard, so be it, so long as they're actually guarding.
At first I had no idea how to respond to your simple 4 word question. But after thinking about I think it's best that they have nothing to say, if this discussion is even receiving a lot of views from people outside of those of us talking about it. It would be best to sit down, not say anything, and reflect about this issue. I agree with your other sentiments.