Believe me, you are a lot stronger than you think. I simply don't read those that I know will have absolutely nothing to contribute substance-wise to a thread's discussion. Sometimes I get it wrong and am totally repulsed by what they say. At times I remember what I have to say may benefit a few and it needs to be said so I post it. I seldom (as a matter of fact I don't think it has ever happened to me) that anyone has PM'd me something that I could not handle. It can be disheartening to say the least but everyone has a right to say most things. There are certain things that I won't let go unanswered. For example, things that simply are factually incorrect or things that really insult groups of people rather than individuals.
As for the PS Weekend, I have gone twice so far and I have never witnessed any open hostility to myself or to others. Think of it as one big cocktail party with a pool and deviled eggs. You have to mingle but people are very pleasant and try to include everyone. You are welcomed and you can always find a way to contribute but like any cocktail party sometimes I am just going to listen. If I don't have anything to say I don't say anything. If I don't like what I hear, I can make my apologies and step away. There is a nice dinner and imagine yourself going to a state dinner. Talk to the person on your right, left and across. So if you want to come, come. There is plenty of sun and after a long winter I am just so thankful to be there that I soak it all in. If you would like to hear more about it, do not hesitate to PM me.