With all the respect due to Daas Torah, we are suffering in the present generation from a lack of leadership. Our “Daas Torah” are learned scholars, and each has their areas of great expertise. Yet, many are limited and handicapped when advice is needed about a great many subjects. We tend to seek their advice regarding medical matters, when the greatest proportion of them have zero knowledge in the subject. Many are sought for guidance on business matters. Yet, their knowledge of the subject can range from the common place common sense, or often less than that. These gaps in knowledge do not diminish their chashivus or their value to the Klal. But much as one would not likely consult a Rav about an issue with a malfunctioning washing machine, or a stalled car, one gotta wonder why we are expected to bring these questions to a Rav. Seeking the brocho of a Rav or other talmid chochom is praiseworthy. But advice?
One can, perhaps should ask shailos regarding the permissibility of discussing certain things in public. There can easily be questions about lashon horah, defamation, etc., which can be matters of halacha. Outside of that, one needs to know a bit more about the breadth of knowledge, outside of Torah erudition, that qualifies the Rav to respond to requests for guidance and advice.
There is another take on this subject. Airing in public. What today is not already public? We can consider the far reaching spying of NSA, turning on webcams remotely, scanning and screening email, etc. I doubt the NSA would find anything of interest on my computer, but the delusion that it is private is B”H not one of my symptoms.
Does discussion about some of the hot subjects that appear in articles on YWN, or some of the discussions and debates here in the CR constitute airing dirty laundry? Is it considered public? Were these positions ever secret or private?
So I’m not sure that Daas Torah has the ability to be the ultimate guide here. And I am not sure that the CR is considered airing dirty laundry in public. That’s my two cents.