Yes, I agree.* On a personal betterment level, understanding all
  sides of an issue is, I believe important.But you can understand
  the Popular position, understand why they're offended, and also
  choose to say, "I see your opinion, I understand, you're not
  wrong, but there's something more important at stake here."
  I'm personally very careful on issues where I "take a stand"
  precisely for +[1]Erik Boesen 's reasons.* I don't like
  offending people.* Yet, there are a few things that I'll take a
  few arrows for.* I've taken arrows for a "Popular vs Unpopular"
  position myself, and will gladly do so again. Some people need
  defenders.* I don't believe Popular people need defenders
  because the very nature of being Popular, gives them plenty of
  defense already. Popular people do have their own problems of
  course.* It can't be easy to maintain that position.* But to me,
  that's like a celebrity crying about the price of fame.* It's
  part of the deal. And here's the difference:* Popularity is
  something you work for. You don't work to be Unpopular.* The
  Popular people make you Unpopular by excluding you.*
  Unpopularity is a victim category, as much as I hate that term,
  and need assistance from strong defenders who can take a few
  arrows to the knee. Even if you chose to decide that "This isn't
  an issue I want to stand behind." - I want to thank you
  profusely for starting this conversation.* You've helped me
  personally clarify my thoughts on several issues, not just the
  nature of Popular vs Unpopular, but the nature of Political
  Opinion, knowing where to stand, where not to stand, and most
  importantly for me, where I stand. I can't overstate the
  importance of "no topic is forbidden".* Communication, debate,
  controversy all help us each understand our own positions in the
  world; help us understand the great "Who Am I, Really?" question
  by a process of collecting and comparing our opinions to those
  of others, modifying or keeping our positions, and ultimately
  making us better at precisely knowing "What Do I Believe To Be
  True?" So, thank you :D You've already made a difference.

References

  Visible links
  1. https://plus.google.com/102877061379033466774