For all the reasons you mentioned above, I pretty much stick to a v. small group of people here. I stay out of the battles over nothing and use the LJ to see what is going on in the lives of people I actually know&like.
I know... It was more fun when it was all about trading ideas and getting to know new people. But I tend to not keep my mouth shut when I see people being asses to each other over a show, ship or anything that has no real meaning in RL. I keep saying - real people are behind all those outrageous handles. And with real people come real feelings.
Well hon, it seems you have your plate full over there (obligatory wish I was in NY comment here) and should really focus. Just don't stop posting - I like to know what the young and beautiful are up to. ;-)
Chen who is suffering from severe cabin fever