All of your points for de-escalating the situation are outstanding, and it is in that very spirit in which I'm hoping to provide an outlet with @freezepeach for those who need help with being flagged.

I imagine many of the flag wars of the past have been started because the users felt like they had no recourse, and going on the attack seemed like the only choice. Hopefully your advice, the @freezepeach service, and many conversations like this will provide an avenue that helps mitigate future conflict.