The Mint wasn't a street. It was a pub. People do state their opinions in a pub, and people do disagree with them. The mistake people made was assuming that everyone would be unified in their opinions, and not moving an argument to the Community, PM, IM, or email when it became evident that the argument could only be resolved through an in-depth debate between the individuals concerned. That isn't an ideal solution, but you will waste your time looking for an ideal solution. If anyone has a more practical solution, then let them reveal it.

the comparison with a street was just intended to show why (in my opinion) many people shun the mint, because it provides no in-depht discussion. 

of course, the old days... we never will have them back, but there are new places, new situations all the time. change is the only constant, while everything stays the same.