Who, specifically, made a quick exit? Also, who is to say they won't come back. You did.
Freedom928, is one I recall. He left after a quick opus complaining this was a leftist site, and Reagan's picture on the home page was deceptive.
Of the veterans there are many: flowers, longmire, MACSOG, haven't seen Lando around, Mesaclone had been very active but no more. Many more. Just look at the membership list and forum stats. Lots of familiar names, gone.
Some probably wearied of the personal attacks on their character or just felt uncomfortable with the tenor here.