The thread had degenerated into personal slanging matches and general nastiness. At least a couple of people commented that it had run its course, and I agreed with them.

To remind people of the rules:

"Please respect one another's opinions, remain on topic
wherever possible, refrain from using swear words and
treat it [i.e. the forum] with the respect that it deserves."

It was not possible to keep the aforementioned thread strictly within those rules without deleting pretty much all of it, so the best decision was therefore to close it. It can still be read, so locking it does not constitute censorship.

Regbarmy, if you've got something to say, then nobody is going to stop you from saying it, as long as you abide by the rules.