>That isn't the case. I am, in fact, quite in favour of new people joining us, if they can hold up our standards of quality. If they can't, then, yeah. I'll pass on them.
>

What about those of use who may not be up to your required standards of wit/intelligence/debonairity/etiquette/inside joke knowledge but do want to learn?
While you may prefer that un-standard-meeting people keep quiet until they can contribute at a certain level, I often want to put my point out there to see how you superior ones will react to it. I'm hoping you'll say something that might make me change my opinion, or give me something that I can try to counter. To me, discussion is an exercise that helps you grow intellectually. It's like Andrea said in his post: you can kick them out or you can help to educate, be a positive influence.
I'm just sorry if there are too many of us to teach, or you don't see it as worthwhile.

Mazer31