Any of those things really does provide Bayesian evidence the relevant groups will have lower status in a community.

Sure does. Then again, the WSJ is a complete right-wing garbage politically, but is quite good at economics, so it's not so that unusual to get some tidbits of wisdom from unsavory sources.

If avoiding offense or increasing participation of a group is a very high priority

I would not expect this forum to bend over backwards to avoid accidentally offending people. The rule of thumb for an online discussion is "do not offend and do not be easily offended".

I wouldn't say positions become necessarily "irrational" across a wide range.

Right, where to set the boundary is a personal preference and not an issue of rationality. Expecting others to move their boundary upon your request might be.