Are there a lot more self-righteouss assholes than usual?
No. It's definitely been worse in the past.
Like someone else said... just pm someone who looks legit. Have some patience. Bump a few times if you need.
There is a bit of bad info, all over the net, not just RIU. This comes from the mj growing hobby base. There are many people who either only grow mj (no real interest/experience in botany) or people who are new to it.
Another thing, everyone loves weed. So when someone grows some decent weed they hear "this weed is fucking great!!!" "this is the best i've had" from all of their friends.... egos get inflated. The loudest voice is heard.
I am experiencing a lot of hostility between the people asking and answering. Have we hit the high water mark?
RIU can be a pretty hostile place. But are RIU's best days behind? I don't know.. RIU is more of a fun place to bullshit with cool people than learn a trade. Google many forums for your answers.
The best advice you will ever get... Water, light, nutrients, air. That is what it takes to grow a plant. When one is lacking other come down with it. Optimize those 4 and you have done everything you can do (other than genetics) to grow great plants.