I've been an editor who has had to contend with all sorts of authors for a long time. I have been an author who has had to contend with editors for a tad longer time. There is a difference between abuse and criticism of the constructive kind. However, on the surface they can both appear to be the same. Some authors never know the difference. Ad hominem on the back side of the lid is obvious and it is what editors see a great deal of over the years.

I say, "This paragraph is unnecessary," and I get ad hominem. I say, "This information is redundant, take it out," and I get ad hominem. Fortunately, this is not always the case, but it is frequent. The problem hinges on the author taking criticisms and suggestions as personal attacks and responding in kind (they think).

Writers today have no idea how easy they have it because little personal notes no longer accompany rejection slips. Now they just feel rejected and not mutilated. They also don't know what it's like to produce a ms on a vintage Underwood (c. 1945), package a copy of same, pay postage (to and back if not a disposable ms), then wait 'patiently' 18 months or more before receiving their rejection accompanied with a note from the acquisitions editor. This, I think, has exacerbated the problem of easily rent epidermis.

I'm all for your proposal, but wear a flak jacket, my friend.

I get you completely. At the same time, I often see the harshest of the "perpetually offended" individuals on this site unable to take the same kind of "medicine" they love doling out. Bullies, who yell foul when they get punched back. If you're gonna be brutal, don't cry when it's your turn to be brutalized is all I'm saying.