Well, when someone is 'steamed', it isn't always pretty.
The saying "Never discuss politics or religion in a bar" exists for a reason- the discussions easily become heated, without a good reason. The only reason I have been heated is because some people threw crap in my face or lied about me (Trell, on both counts).
Poking people endlessly is annoying and sometimes, reactions are stronger than necessary- I have edited comments just to avoid escalating- most don't, even though it's easy. If I read something I post and can't answer "Is that really necessary?" with 'Yes', I edit.