Coach,
I don't know how many Apple forums you've frequented but my strong impression is that this is easily the LEAST infected with rampant fanboy-ism. As others have noted, criticisms of Apple policies and products are likely to prompt rebuttals, but at least in my experience, most responses are thoughtful and polite. As an example, I'd direct your attention to discussions of the Kindle Fire when it was introduced several months ago. Compared to another Apple site I frequent, the reactions here were at least tolerant, open, and polite. And I found several regular contributors who, like me, had purchased the KFire and found a number of positive things to say about it.
I suspect that I'm among the least fanatical Apple supporters on this site. With the exception of an ancient iPod the iPad 2 is the only Apple product I own. (Android smartphone and four Windows PC's) And as much as I like the iPad I find a number of annoying restrictions and design features in the product. Have to say that I've always felt welcome here and I've found exchanges with other members, even when we disagree, to be informative, polite, and educational.