I didn't want to say anything, but who knows, maybe some productive discussion may arise...
1. Why not let the 2 parties involved directly settle their differences? From what I knew, this was a dead issue. But now, with the help of friends, it is back on the table.
2. Getting gone over is part of coming up. (Oh and by the way, I am not speaking on this particular instance, both parties have heard from me personally, and know where I stand on this particular situation). But as far as I remember, getting capped, especially from someone who has more clout, happens. It is then up to the person to handle it appropriately and either take shit back, scrap or talk it out. Since we live in such a small place, I understand how it feels more personal, but on the real, youngins get challenged all the time, it is part of the game.
3. There's always conflict between generations of writers, and there always will be. As time has proven, the young ones who show respect, put in work, and step up to challenges are the ones who prevail, it's natural selection homes.
Old writers can be grumpy and young writers can think they know it all, it's really natural and not anything to get all up in arms about.
And I highly disagree about this place turning into a bunch of bullshit. We've got some ridiculous shit going on here right now and I feel extremely privileged to witness it.