Hmmm, i think everyone is guilty of cracking a joke on some of the questions on here. But also, a lot of the questions warrant a joke as some of them you just couldnt make up. Its fine to say there is a clique, etc. But a lot could be said about some of the questions people ask too. I personally think the majority of questions get answered in a manner of the question asked. I ask Q's on all the different topics on here and found most of the answers very helpful.
The only section where you will probably get 'banter' would be the body and soul section, which will always go into more detail than any other topics on here, as you are asking peoples opinions on life.
I think the ed does a great job on here. From what i see people get banned, etc and it is easy to report a Q your not happy with. Also, if you look atthe amount of people that use it, then people must be content otherwise they wouldnt ask questions. Good luck in finding another site like this. You cant please everyone...