Earl:  Don't worry about those "soft spots", I'll take care of myself.  I spent 28 years working with dysfunctional adolescents so I'm quite experienced responding to what you term "abrasive comments."  That doesn't mean I will "accept" them and, as another poster suggest "just grow some skin."  It means I will confront them and attempt to refocus the conversation on issues, not ad hominem attacks.  If I feel insulted by your comments, you will be the first to know it.  

"Joking insults" are exchanged between friends....and, so long as everyone's having fun, they're fine.  I think we all engage in them.  You're not a friend of mine and it's presumptuous of you to excuse your insulting comments as "just kidding". 

I view this site as a place to  exchange ideas and views with others, not to exchange insults with you or anyone else.  I think the "civility" algorithm is designed to promote that same concept.