All 3 views expressed so far have their merits, but I have to say I'm
skeptical that narrowing the range of topics would solve the real problem,
since some pali issues are inherently linked with very heated and passionate
clinging. For example, on a thread discussing the etymology and usage of
jhana, we could stay completely on topic and within the charter of pali list
and have a repeat of the recent scenario.
The real problem, which Rett summed up nicely:
[snip] My best guess would be to leave the range of
topics as wide as possible, but discourage accusations of heresy,
personal attacks, exhortations to repent or the like. Demands for
sectarian conformity belong on some other list, but not this one, at
least in my experience of the usual open and friendly climate here.
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Designing a bullet proof charter and narrowing the topic range would be like
Bush's "no child left behind act" which is ostensibly to protect rights of
all kids but in practice cators to kids with disciplinary problems at the
cost of slowing down and boring the rest of the class.
My vote would be to target the heart of the problem.