Debates in MD are usually decided by how many people are on each side, and if that doesn't solve it, then it's WHO is on each side (veterans). Doesn't actually matter who's right or wrong, because once it's decided, nobody will keep arguing it unless they want to be yelled at by everyone else. If the argument is still going on in the community, Mur usually steps in and stops it, and everybody moves behind him. For example, Shape Shifter. Mur posted on phantasm's "Calling out Shape Shifter" topic, and is anybody talking about it or arguing the point anymore? No.
Another one: Elections. These are perfect examples. Did anyone bother to read the potential ruler's statements, or did you have a pre-formed opinion? Look at who was chosen: Lifeline, Peace, Firsanthalas, Yrthilian. All of them already had leadership within their lands, all of them were veterans and what are they doing now? Anything except being rulers. The kings haven't made any difference that I can see. Lifeline sets up his alt in Winds and waits for other people to talk to him, Peace left her position, Firs is doing his little shop thing and Yrth is hidden in GG, isolating himself from anyone except for forum and out of game communication, as far as I know. Does anybody care? No. Know why? Because life with the kings is just the same as life without them, only now there's someone to supply quest-makers with wishpoints. Think back, did you actually read statements of potential rulers, or did you just vote on who you thought was already "doing a good job"? Did you actually have an opinion, or were you just a fish in the stream, going along with the current?