Indeed why try? All is decided. I'm going to take my ball and go home. If you don't let me win I will stand on the sidelines and make snide remarks.
Is this the hallmark of conservatism? There are members here who post conservative ideas, and defend them. Actually, most of what they post as arguments are really moderate. So I see your problem.
There are few "real conservatives" here. But your problem is deeper than that. You haven't the strength of your convictions to stand by them and argue their merits, or you have no convictions to speak of.
Your position wasn't a position, it was sour grapes. Take a position, left, right, or center, but take a position. Joan does, and regardless of the way the posts go in those threads she has taken a stand.
You want to be taken seriously, respected? Then take a stand and don't spout mealy-mouthed platitudes that reek of intellectual and moral cowardice.