Well, maybe you don't want to acknowledge it, but there is an unspoken pecking order here at this site. There is a "culture" that sets in nearly everywhere that people hang out at. There's one here too...doesn't mean it's a bad thing, but it's a reality that I'm not afraid to admit. People like Roy H. get the benefit of the doubt because there are those who want to get their posts acknowledged by kissing a Mod's hind-end.
There's a certain amount of name recognition, I agree. That said, why question people's motives? Ask winsomme (since you're responding to him) -- he and I have been on opposite sides of debates *a lot* on this blog. I don't think he's ever been accused of kissing my butt. I think the people who are anti-trade deserve the respect of thinking that they can make up their own mind.
Not everyone who agrees with a mod is pandering. On the issue of the trade, it's not like there's a staff consensus, anyway. There are a couple of vocal opponents (although it's more of a "wait and see" thing, rather than a "we're doomed" argument), and a few vocal proponents.
Also, if there are posters who like to agree with mods because of whatever "favor" that wins them (which would be, what, Tommy Points?), there are certainly posters who like to argue with those in authority. They're certainly entitled; the world needs contrarians. However, it's not just a one-way street where everybody pats us on the back all the time.
From the moment this trade was made I supported it. If Danny felt it was good, then so did I. I understand that the NBA is a business, and I have no ties to any of these players, including Kendrick Perkins.
You're entitled to your opinion. I think every person is capable of mistakes, so I would never adopt a position of "If Danny felt it was good, then so did I". I like to do my own analysis on things, rather than just blindly saying "In Danny I trust".
Plus, I've mentioned in other threads about my personal spiritual-religious beliefs and have taken conservative stands. You don't think I got blackballed by some for that? Trust me, I saw a change in tone toward me when I stood up for certain principles I have. I'm not making this up...it was obvious that my posts were being singled out by some who now didn't like me. I'm NOT saying Roy did this (not for a single second). But there's a culture here where some do...
I haven't noticed this, and we haven't received any reports on it. I'm sure that there are some people who like others less due to their religion or political stances. That said, it's certainly not coming from me (especially since we share similar views on a lot of those issues), and I think the overwhelming majority of posters here are willing to put politics aside when discussing the Celtics.