I'll upvote the node for two reasons: first, that the first responder (derby) said he downvoted it, and second, because it speaks well to a topic I'm passionate about: thinking and learning patterns. Given that the curtrent XP status of the node is heavily positive, I think this supports Moron's 'personal experience' assertion. :-)

de Bono is appropriate here because the XP system does influence a decision: that of the next reader coming along who looks at Best Nodes and Worst Nodes. I disagree with those who say we shouldn't discuss the XP system as an important part of Perl Monks. I respect their reasoning, that _Perl_ is more important, but I think the XP system actually does have a lot to do with how this place survives as a self-sustaining and self-policing community. Moron's post is entirely appropriate and pertinent here in PM Discussion. I, too, often ruminate over the PM community's longevity while chewing my cud. I agree with later posters that there are very few abberations and deliberate attacks, although I suspect that Kevin_Raymer might have cause for complaint. ;-]

For those who haven't been exposed to Edward de Bono, here is the place to start. I wish more kids were handed 'Six Hats' before they left third grade. We wouldn't need to fret about them being 'left behind', no matter what 'disadvantages' they started with. They'd be reading Tom Paine and Frederic Bastiat before they were ten...