It may well be difficult Mavism, but surely there could be something along the lines of "a topic will be looked when, in the opinion of the Moderators/AdAdministratorsthe topic has:
1. developed into a private argument between two members
2. opinions are being expressed in an abusive manner
etc.
At least that way, members would have some guidelines to work to.
I think that people are unhappy at the moment because they feel that topics are being locked simply because a moderator/administrator, rather than the members, has decided that it should be and that there appears to be no appeal mechanism for the topic to be unlocked.
There is absolutely no doubt that the moderators have a very difficult job. I am equally sure that the choice of which members are made moderators is
only taken after due consideration of that persons' ability to do the job. I think we should all put our trust in them in the first instance and express our concerns on the odd occasion when we feel they may have got it seriously wrong.
Whatever your views, on whatever topic, lets all try and keep it friendly and remember the first Forum Rule....
It is expected that all members show respect to others .