I am off to the Club for a chat, swim, and a few laughs.....my advice for what it is worth, rescind your offer of an explanation of last night's controversy as you are on a hiding to nothing. At best it will inflame the situation and at worst it will not be accepted, so, leave well alone and the topic will die a death.
However, call a meeting of your lieutenants and discuss future policies.
you've run a lot of websites? Havd a good swim; I wish I could join you. Maybe when the annual moderators' dinner is held at the Ivy this will all be sorted out.