I think it’s complicated. Some of it probably is animus, but it wouldn’t surprise me if some of it isn’t about the specific topic so much as resentment at having the rules changed with no acknowledgement made that rule changes have costs for those who are obeying them.
My old theory about the nastiness of some anti-PC reactionaries was that they came to their view out of some animus.
Your suggestion that communities’ tones may be determined by that of a small number of incumbents serves as an alternative, softening explanation.
I think it’s complicated. Some of it probably is animus, but it wouldn’t surprise me if some of it isn’t about the specific topic so much as resentment at having the rules changed with no acknowledgement made that rule changes have costs for those who are obeying them.