Why do we do this?

[Grail]

I mostly lurk around here, but lately I've notice something that absolutely puzzles me.

When a certain, nameless, person posts an answer, he is immediately lambasted for his lack of knowledge. While many of the responses are accurate, many more just seem to be to flame the poster. Does it improve anything?

On the flip side, why does this person continue to participate in this community? It is obvious that he is not respected, and equally obvious that he is unwanted. Is it just the principle of hanging around? Personally, if people don't want me around, and don't respect me, AND blast me everytime I say something, I can find somewhere else to spend my time.

Anyway, just thought I'd ask why we insist on the flame wars, and why someone would stay around for them? Neither seems to serve any purpose. Wouldn't it be simpler to say "according to rule x.xx, the previous post is incorrect," and leave it at that.