Yeah, this "Open Season" forum has ruffled many feathers. But overall, it's great place to be. You just need thick skin, and use the 'ol golden rule (flame others as you would like to be flamed
)
But the "on topic" forums, such as the Diesel forum, are the best I've seen so far. I use a couple other forums, and don't get near the helping hand as I do here.
The friendliest I've found for just general chatting and BS'ing is MBCanada. A few of our members had a bad experience up there awhile ago, not sure why. I've found it nothing short of pleasant. In fact, I'm one of the mods there.