In running groups I have been part of, we generally had a 'what is said on the run stays on the run' policy. This allowed people to freely say things/speak their mind knowing that they were among trusted friends that would honor and respect their opinions.
These groups often have been smaller (<15 people) mixture of old/young, men/women, different ethnic backgrounds, different political viewpoints, etc. The common thread is showing up on a regular basis to run 8-22 miles at various efforts.
We talk about everything on these runs. People say some outrageous things, and get questioned/grilled/roasted for those sometimes (if others have the energy and extra effort to do so, believe it is important, or care enoughy to pursue the topic while also trying to maintain the pace of the run).
These on the run conversations are similar to, but very different than, the LRC message board.
A big difference is we learn and know more about the other runners in these groups than we do about board posters. We develop a basic relationship with other runners in the group. We can excuse what we view as faults with other group runners because we know they are not all that bad (if for no other reason than the always show up, keep the pace honest, or hang back with those having a bad day.)
Similar to the message board, group runners can choose to not hear or pay attention to certain runners or conversations, and choose to avoid running with the group.
The positives of LRC, the message boards, and these running groups far outweigh the negatives. Sure they are not perfect, and never will be. You will be enlightened, educated, rewarded, tested, humbled, punished, entertained, etc. if you choose to run with a group or read/participate in LRC.
Or you could choose to run alone, in the dark, naked and without a watch, on a flat empty featureless plain.