I also get dragged into discussions I find ... less than productive (happened earlier today). Much as I'm consciously aware of these and try not to get into them, there are times when both it's not clear that you have entered into the Fire Swamp until you're well and truly mired in it, and speaking for myself there's quite often a very-difficult-to-shake belief that one can argue or demonstrate one's way out of a situation.
Though often I do find some success in collapsing a thread once it's clear, after one or two comments to it, that discussion won't progress.
As for moderation, if you do see egregious misconduct, EMAIL THE MODS. They really do read mail, and they do engage.
Most of my own emails are over other issues: titles, preferable URLs, and nominations for the 2nd chance queue. But I'll occasionally point out badly-behaving accounts, and have heard back on those virtually always.
Dang does give a lot of 2nd chances, especially for well-established accounts. New/green profiles starting off badly, or known sockpuppets, get far more summary justice.