"was the poster who said “you've got the guts to say what a lot of us haven't” "
1. Could you post a link to this please? I don't remember seeing it.
2. This is evidence for just one poster. Who clearly does not realise that you have been saying the things you say quite freely - nobody has come to get you for it or tried to stifle you. There is, therefore, no logical reason for he/she to expect to have the same done to them You have, however, been extensively challenged, which is exactly as it should be. This element of challenge is all anyone has to be afraid of. And what reason could someone possibly have to fear that?
3. Even if the poster is correct in saying that lots of people share your views, this is not in and of itself a point in favour of them. To put it nicely, quality of opinion supporting you is far, far more convincing than quantity.