It seems to me that the fact people are self-censoring is a problem, regardless of what their views are. Questioning the legitimacy of their views here is unlikely to help, and seems like victim-blaming.
Two off the top of my head, he wants to say things perceived as hurtful on hot topics (trans rights for example)
Or he's bringing up controversial opinions at times where it seemed forced. I know personally this happened with a gun comment here
Edit for a third, he could be a "hard truth" guy and just saying things that come off insulting
(Just trying to lighten the mood, a bit)
People need to find ways to express themselves productively, and when they don’t, other people must have the freedom to express their displeasure, or we won’t reap the benefits of free speech.
So people need to self-censor and only express themselves in approved 'productive' ways, because if they lose the freedom to express their displeasure we lose the benefits of free speech?
How about adults need to act like adults and take ownership of their own feelings and let others do the same?
You can't have censorship and freedom of speech they are antithetical.
Self censorship is a fantastic thing, a critical behavior in a cooperative group, and necessary for free speech.
Unthinkingly seeing “censorship” and reacting with “That’s bad!” isn’t helpful.
Brigading is another matter and limit my comment to 'normal' up/down vote patterns.
You really think there are no views that should be self-censored? There exist many views that I believe are not worthy of being aired in public