I also don't see how a "verbal ass whomping" really convinces anyone of anything. It rules out people holding on to what they believe for reasons as simple as spite. Bitterness and spite toward the rude person who you think isn't treating your point of view fairly. In my opinion, people have the extraordinary ability to cling to ideas, or to pretend to espouse different ideas until they can find some way to avoid or get rid of the ad hominem arguer.

Also... this is an Internet forum, yes? I always thought of a true appeal to force as something which occurs in person--where you can physically hurt others. What's the equivalent on a 'Net forum? "Agree with me or I'll hack your computer"? "Agree with me or I'll call you funny names"? "I can figure out where you live"?