I always wonder what threads people are reading when they say "Pinside is toxic"? I don't find that to be the case overall...and I've been involved in some controversies here. But those are the minority (IMHO). This place has been WAY more helpful to me than toxic. I've also meet a lot of great people and made some great friendships all becasue of Pinside.
Everytime time I hear people bitching about Pinside my first thought is "grow thicker skin". Many say just leave if it bothers you...and that's a viable option...but geez if Pinside is bothering you that much what is real life doing to you?