I think it's a case by case basis. Some questions call for negative answers. Maybe it has something to do with the quality of the questions, not the answers.

I think as the scale of the AB userbase grows, the sense of community diminishes, and with it the social pressure to be helpful instead of (for example) smart-aleck or reactive. Having said that, I don't think good advice is either positive or negative -- good advice is "on target". Sometimes that means getting in someone's face and handing out a bit of a slap. Sometimes it means being encouraging and gentle. It's not always easy to know which is called for when all you have to go on is a 256-character synopsis from someone who may not be a master at self-expression.

I agree with HasntBeen in what's been said regarding the degree of sympathy you show, but also the number of these questions has risen in the year I've been here, and frankly they are very tedious. I know at times we don't have anyone to talk to and that we may need a stranger's opinion on a subject like relationships or illness, but sometimes it seems the site overflows with this type of question. When I joined, it was enormous fun it seemed that everyone was having a really good time! And with the run-up to Christmas and all over the New Year, it was like being at one long party! :) We can only hope that that spirit will emerge again, and the fun element will return.

If the questions are relationship- or marriage-oriented, it's because many people have been hurt, and haven't figured out how to forgive the person who hurt them, or that forgiving doesn't mean forgetting, but it helps release the anger and resentment toward that person. In other words, they haven't figured out that forgiving a person doesn't mean you have to trust them again, though in some cases, that trust CAN be rebuilt. If they are "troll" responses (nasty remarks about the question, questioner, or situation), it's kids and jerks, just trying to get a reaction. No... I don't believe the attitudes of ABers are changing. I've seen the same to relationship-type questions since I was here. It's one of the reasons I always point out the "forgiving" thing, or for abusive relationships, "get out". For the latter, telling someone to "get some balls" and fight back, or get out is not helping. To me, their self-esteem and self-worth are at an all-time low, but there's enough there to ask for help - "What should I do?" No... Trolls and negative people have always been here... It may also just be the questions you are paying more attention to. ;-)

I try to remain positive and helpful. It's not always viewed that way, but I am sincere.