New-ish to Audiogon Forums... Is it always like this?

@daveman2 you're clearly on your way, stay positive. There are plenty here happy to help you. 

@mapman good question! My overly simplied take:

audionirvana and whatsbestforum - the wealthy will enjoy them most. audionirvana does have many former & current knowledgeable Agoners, especially about analog.

asylum - seems like hardly anyone participates any more

audiophilestyle (was computeraudiophile) - lots of digital-specific knowledge from some. Plenty of trolls & fights too. Many less experienced with much outside of desktop & headphone rigs.

ASR - subjectivists (aka listeners) need not apply. 

For me, Audiogon is still the best overall. Sure there are warts, but we've got @whart. Cheers,
Spencer

  

@jjss49 Great callouts! It certainly helps to consider the posters when weighing their comments. Having been here since the beginning, over time I've developed a few subconscious categories that help me sift through replies:
- lifers - those who've been here and on other audio forums for the long haul chiming in usefully based on experience with the issues/gear on topic
- promoting pros - dealers and occasionally others that blatantly or discreetly push their wares
- insider angels - manufacturers & other insiders that put the poster's needs above their own short term profits (more please!)
- promoting lemmings - those who often with limited experience promote what they own to reconfirm their decisions
- emerging enthusiasts - want and deserve knowledge to further their journey
- surface scratchers - newbies as described by the OP, asking overly simple questions, expecting nirvana on a silver platter in 180 characters or less, and often too lazy to accept that "it depends"
- zealots - angry believers focused on their preferences (digital/analog subjective/objective or tube/ss)
- everybody else 
Here's to more angel behavior, deep interest and enthusiasm...cheers,
Spencer  

@indyvw,  interesting comment! My experience with audiocircle and stevehoffman.tv has led me to find value mainly in a couple of niches. Hoffman's site has been for me great when searching for discussion about a particular music release (e.g. how does the new digital master compare to the vinyl remaster vs. original pressing of xyz?) 
With audiocircle I've encountered a skew towards many vintage gear owners knowledgeable on stuff like "replacement/DIY options for VPI record cleaning machines)". Perhaps I'll start browsing new topics there and see where it leads.

Separately, I agree with comments that references to systems from both OPs and responders makes for much more insight. I'd love it if all users were required to upload their system and if all posts automatically showed links to their systems alongside the usernames.
Cheers,
Spencer