Refraining from responding to weak attacks and shutting up when done seem particularly difficult. I think, however, that if you remain clear about your goal of convincing the audience rather than the opponent the rest fall into place fairly easily. And with that said, and everyone properly armed, let's return to not arguing. Remember that there are real people behind those words. They lose loved ones, get sick, and have crises in their lives.
Real people have real feelings.
Be aware that educated people often couch some of their most painful moments in their most formal prose. The pain is still there in the content or between the lines, though. When you see it, don't ignore it. Don't rub salt in your fellow list mates wounds. Try and craft a sympathetic response or even ask a question.