Thats how trolls thrive, you play with them once in a while, Axe and Neddy do the same. All you guys do is thrash the thread in the belief that you can control the troll. If everyone stops responding, we won't have this problem.
What is interesting is that newcomers after one or two sessions can spot a troll and stop biting the bait but the its the veterans that can't help themselves. Again in the mistaken belief that they are in control.
Trolls are not interested in controls only reponses and attention. Its got nothing to do with how suave your posts are. The end result is a thread that is thrashed by off topics and misguided souls thinking that they are in control.
So do explain how moderation plays a part with trolls? Do you get rid of flu altogether or let it survive in moderation?