I think that disclaimer has been used like this:

"No offense, but you're an asshole. I said 'no offense'"

Now, I have no problem with someone calling me names or what have you. I'll probably disagree, but at least we can have an adult discourse on the subject. But don't prance about as though you have nothing but the purest of intentions. It's almost as though that disclaimer is used as an aegis against any rebuttal to acerbic comments made on merlyn's behalf. That I have problems with.