I don't think it's an intimidating place overall, and I don't think it's an 'established elite' that's a problem - it's more that on some matters - both political and social - there is a strong left bias, and some threads become an echo chamber where alternative views are not welcomed or received with any sort of grace. As soon as you spot that you've opened one of these, hit the ignore thread button and all is welcome friendly sweetness and light.We are lucky to have it and therefore no complaints.
One observation though: I think there are more people who read nsc than post and I think this is because it’s quite an intimidating and unwelcoming space unless you are part of the established elite. It’s a shame because there is probably a diversity of opinion out there that does not get heard.
This tends to apply to the non football threads most of all, so I would personally keep football and everything else separate