Well, debates after debates (or discussions after discussions), I didn't go to create a thread and rant about it. Instead of that, I decided to create the group for certain people so we could have discussions without feel the need to defend ourselves. Of course, much later, I don't admin any group of my own anymore, and then to delete my groups by my own request. I even don't recall if I create pointless rant threads except my only small complaint thread on asexuality in a few years ago. I can't remember how many times I did make apologies since I joined here. :P
Sometimes, IMO, venting/ranting may reduce people's frustration. Frankly, I think the thick-skinniness is only one way to handle general and heat discussions and/or debates. Which is why AllDeaf helps me to be a bit more thick-skinned. If a thread gets a lock, I will just move on and go to look in another threads...
Mature, politeness and being respectful in debates may be more useful and helpful... but it is not for everyone because some people may not care.