based on what mods have said is their policy in the past- there isn't really much enforcement. I think all the mods have to agree to ban someone for instance. And there seems to be little in the way of deleting out-and-out insults either (just read the posts under almost any news article- endless name calling).
So if the posts on the forum boards seem civil- it is likely due to the fact that members mostly realize that it makes no sense to torch those who come to talk with you. Why turn off a potential companion?
There are 2 basic modes in any forum 1. ask or 2. tell. Very few people ask questions. Most are debating or pronouncing their position. Its far more rewarding when people step down from their box and just engage in give-and-take (saying this as a poster who has been on that box a few times myself
!
PO.com is a microcosm of our collective dilemna- do we try to understand one another and yet honor truth over ego? Or do we see each other as enemies that must be defeated to gain domination?
One thing is for sure (for me)- endless arguments, war and a desire for a verbal beheading of another poster is boring and depressing.