It's a difficult line to walk.  On the one hand we want free, open and honest discussion.  But on the other hand, it would be wrong to produce an echo chamber or any form of gatekeeping.  There are also potential pitfalls surrounding collusion and corruption.  If those deemed to have sufficient technical knowledge could be bribed or influenced into pushing certain ideas, that could pose a real problem.  At the end of the day, we are effectively talking about money.  And nothing corrupts more.

To be honest, this forum already serves as a collection of "cautious bitcoiners that are able to resist code changes", so I'm not sure we need much else beyond this and all the other varieties of social media out there. 

Controversy is probably inevitable, but it all gets sorted out in the end.  I might come across as overly philosophical or trite here, but that's pretty much what the consensus mechanism is for.  Prolonged infighting usually only delays what was always going to happen in the end anyway.  And it is ultimately a good thing that all ideas are challenged and not simply waved through unchecked.  Even if it gets a little out of hand sometimes.  Either enough people move forward together with a new proposal, or the status quo remains.