> I don't really understand how this conflict has been dragged out for so long.
Consider that even people on HN are replying to you with the kind of rhetoric that they are, on both sides of the issue, and then keep in mind that the world is full of people who feel even more strongly about it and don't feel at all restrained by HN commenting guidelines.
No, there is no trusted neutral party. There are many players involved who reject that concept on principle, who even consider that it would be suicidal to accept such a thing.
Consider that even people on HN are replying to you with the kind of rhetoric that they are, on both sides of the issue, and then keep in mind that the world is full of people who feel even more strongly about it and don't feel at all restrained by HN commenting guidelines.
No, there is no trusted neutral party. There are many players involved who reject that concept on principle, who even consider that it would be suicidal to accept such a thing.