Yann says it best, "If they say something 
intelligent, I don't think they get flamed."

I'll add to that by saying, "If they are polite 
and respectful in their questions or comments, 
they can still even post about the most simple 
or obvious topics."

If the few bad apples could lose their ego, drop 
the attitude, and/or try to research their 
topics before ranting, that would solve almost 
everything.  But since that won't happen...

OKAY, ON TO MY MAIN SUGGESTION:

It might be easier for Yann to designate a few 
(maybe 4-6?) moderators (veterans with log-in 
accounts) whom he trusts to be fair and low-
key.  So whenever they log-in to the board, 
there will be some icon or tag next their handle 
(that cannot be copied) which clearly indicates 
that they are each a MODERATOR.

The main goals of the moderator would simply be 
(1) be the authority voice which ALL board 
members turn to for the FINAL word on any sticky 
issue; (2) hopefully be the first one (or one of 
the first) to address newbie topics; and (3) set 
the standards for protocol.

PLUS, this is where the proposed FAQ can be much 
more effective, as well.  In the goal of staying 
as neutral as possible, a moderator [in the 
appropriate situation] can respond a thread, 
only make a short statement, and then refer to a 
section of the new FAQ that explains their point 
more fully.  This way, the chances that a 
moderator needs to make an impromptu, long (and 
possibly emotional) reply are significantly less.

And if there's a new issue that isn't covered in 
the new FAQ (but should be), moderators can 
suggest FAQ amendments, have Yann OK them, and 
strengthen the FAQ as time goes on.  That way, 
you don't have to worry about drawing up a 
perfect FAQ right away.

One last feature (that Yann may like to install) 
is the capability for moderators to LOCK a 
thread.  Or have the moderators (and moderators 
only) suggest to Yann which threads to lock or 
delete.

It may sound like a big job, but I do believe 
that moderators will hardly have to worry about 
this responsiblity at all.  I for one believe 
that this board is very well-behaved overall.  
And with 3-5 other moderators to back each other 
up, the work load (if any) is distributed nicely.

FINALLY, SHORT CONFESSION (if it even matters):

I'm going to admit that I'm more likely (than 
other people who have been here for longer than 
a year) to get involved when someone makes an 
ill-advised post.  It's not something I enjoy 
doing, but I'm the type whose patience wears 
thin quickly (though I always try to keep things 
low-key as possible).  But there's always a 
point when I drop the matter (or else get 
dragged down to their level), because the other 
side is too stubborn, worked up, or in love with 
their own voice.  Then it's best to ingore and 
move on.

I would love it if there is someone out there 
that can put out the fires before my temper.  My 
handle is 'ack' and there's a reason for it.  
(It might have also been 'chug', but I'm trying 
to tone down the alcohol these days...)