Perhaps a refresher read would help here -
Forum rules and guidelines.
I didn't close any of the threads listed above, but I have closed "runaway" threads in the past. When a thread declines to name calling and internet bullying, it has run its course. The threads listed have clearly run their course - the posts became more and more off topic, and more and more name calling and ugliness ensued.
Sometimes closing a thread helps folks to clear their heads - ever gotten into an argument at a bar? Hopefully you have good friends who tell you, "take it easy - it's not worth getting into a fight over..." (Now one may argue that better friends will tell you, "I got your back. Swing away...)
So when a moderator closes a thread, it's like the same thing - we're trying to dispell the crowd before a mob fight breaks out.
That said,
Thread closed.
-Z-man.