Why the hostility surrounding exp rates?

Every time a new server is launching the exp rate debate begins.

The 1x exp rate side is far more adamant than the side who wants faster exp. If the exp rate is above 1x there being an option to set it back to 1x(most servers I have played let you do this) does not satisfy them either. It has to be 1x for everyone or they hate it.

For a recent example Ascension's bronzebeard server had a poll at launch about exp rates. Higher exp rate won in the polls but the crowd who wanted lower exp got so outraged Ascension didn't raise the rates citing "We believe the side that wants higher exp will still play even if we don't follow the poll whereas the lower exp rate people will quit if we raise it".

You can see this right now with CoA, there are people spamming the discord begging Ascension not to raise the exp rates, why would they care so much? They aren't even playing they are just fighting for a lower exp rate.

I just find it so perplexing but every server I have played had this happen on some level. I personally don't care what rate people choose to level at, and I can't imagine being mad about it especially when the option to lower it exists.