I think the term "troll" is used incorrectly, and at times, flippantly. I myself have been called a troll on numerous occassions (previously Ward-Minter, Ward~Minter and wardy with various punctuation marks and appendatures surroundimng the name).
I can truthfully say, I have never posted an opinion that I do not uphold. At times, I may play Devils Advocate, but this is always referenced in the particular thread I add.
The termage "troll" and "wind-up" came to a head a few weeks ago when I posted a question about the wrongs of hunting for pleasure. As I admitted I had hunted for food (re: survival) I was vilified for saying so.
Now, either AB is full of Guardian reading commie vegetarians or blood sport huntsmen.
Whan somebody is referred to as a troll for being supportive of wildlife and the world about us, the term really hold no weight.
The peasants who use the term liberally really need to address their own advice and at times realise their own answers to a debate are perhaps the most controversial and damnright wrong ones here.
Trolls do exist (i.e my name has been copied about 2 dozen times) but somebody who posts a valuable thread about banning smokers or killing the Welsh is not in my opinion a troll per se.