The cat thing isn't going to apply to everyone, I realise that. And I think that actually a certain (small) percentage of cat posts is a good thing because we are people, not just information and fiction generators, and we should get to know each other as people. I sometimes wonder if my lack of cat posts makes me seem inacessible to some people.

And I don't disagree with what you say about niches. One of my friends is fond of saying, "You howl until you find your pack." It's good to find the space that's comfortable for you.

But I also think people benefit from the whole new world outside their own even when they don't think they're ready for it. Maybe especially then. Who really says, "OK, time for some opinions I don't agree with!"? But that's what we need to shake us up. In general, anyhow. :)