In theory an off-topic forum would be a great solution. Unfortunately I've had a bit of experience with that sort of thing. It doesn't just lead to flame wars within the specific forum, but tends to spill outside of itself as members develop personal grudges and scores to settle.

RCU has a wonderful focus--anything and everything RC. There are thousands of other message boards out there that focus on other topics such as full-scale, politics, religion, music, and what not. My advice is to visit one of those when you feel the desire to talk about those subjects. RCU is just one of the sites I actively participate in. For my other interests, I go elsewhere.

I'll let this run a bit longer to allow other people to give their perspectives, but I'll be moving it to the Suggestions forum a bit later this evening.