Well there are two lists that I have been involved with that got emotional. One I left, one I now started. They were both for online communities, one was graphical, and one was text based. Both had a need for a place where people could vent without fear of repercussion. The latest was specifically FOR flaming.
Some people get very graphic, hostile, funny, poetic, etc.
So a lot of people critique the writing. Here this does not happen. Since it started off as a board, I cant judge too well how things will go on the list. . I think people do need freedom of expression, and a safe place to express their sometimes hostile feelings. Otherwise the community comes apart at the seams.