New-ish to Audiogon Forums... Is it always like this?

I too am strongly repelled by those who are unkind, rude, denigrating, or aggressive with their posts.

Please, go away.

@indyvw,  interesting comment! My experience with audiocircle and stevehoffman.tv has led me to find value mainly in a couple of niches. Hoffman's site has been for me great when searching for discussion about a particular music release (e.g. how does the new digital master compare to the vinyl remaster vs. original pressing of xyz?) 
With audiocircle I've encountered a skew towards many vintage gear owners knowledgeable on stuff like "replacement/DIY options for VPI record cleaning machines)". Perhaps I'll start browsing new topics there and see where it leads.

Separately, I agree with comments that references to systems from both OPs and responders makes for much more insight. I'd love it if all users were required to upload their system and if all posts automatically showed links to their systems alongside the usernames.
Cheers,
Spencer

There is a ton of gear out there. I have a great time going through it via articles, videos etc. if I were to ask these guys here for recommendations I’d fully expect them to wax poetic about their favorite stuff. Then I’d research the interesting sounding pieces on my own. 
If a poster doesn’t want to give context then I’d seek it out in user reviews and articles. 
No response is annoying though. I get that. 

@daveman2  Yes joking but that's a decent name for an amp  lol

This forum is a mixed bag but it is worth it for me to check in every day and see if there is anything relevant. I skip most threads that ask for gear recommendations for the reason you describe. Once in a while the question is structed in such a way that I can determine that I have relevant experience and I will weigh in.

Very occasionally there is a truly outstanding thread. For example, I own Thiel speakers and there is a very long detailed thread about Thiel where Tom Thiel, one of the founders, actually participates. It's things like this where Audiogon really shines.

The audio related groups on Facebook are much more aggressively moderated which makes for a more pleasant productive experience. The level of arrogance and nastiness on Audiogon is definitely a turnoff for me.