In those cases, I find no lack of dignity in sometimes mocking them in return, especially when the "veterans" here seem to slip into it so effortlessly and easily, it is a form of bullying (or maybe even like scent marking their territory). Sometimes, as any teacher or parent knows, a bully needs a dose of his own medicine back from his perceived victim, or he will just keep going after his "target" time and again.
But your point Alice, and yours Jim, is well taken. I have no problem restraining my mockery of those who must resort to sarcasm and personal attack when faced with an opposing idea, and I apologize personally to Alice if she was upset over anything I have said here.