Also another very important issue is the fact that the Talmudh was/ and even had to be censored and one needs to see and know the circumstances it was written at, and then you will better understand why it was written in such a way. (NOT that those Rabbis were some sort of weaklings as Manch was suggesting G-D forbid).
It was written in the Galuth after the revolts. Some things needed to be said the way they were because at that exact time the correct (or perceived correct) policy was to wait it out. Revolting against Rome was fatal. We had many losses (we killed many Romans, but also had great calamity). Many orphans/widows, many Jewish people sold into slavery. Revolting again was not an option/practical.
Addressing Rome directly could have meant certain death and slaughter of men, women and children. Some things needed/ were hidden. Sometimes buried within different texts as well.
Understanding all of this (and this is a part of it), should show how and why things are written the way they are, and also why some in today's generation say and do what they do. ALSO why sometimes understanding the historical circumstances of then tells us why what is said is said/ written, and why and what needs to be chosen in different situations as well. For example today besides perhaps bringing moral support against having Sinat Hinam/ talking lashon hara the "other" important aspects and teachings need to get out to the Jewish masses, and the policy needs to change. NOT because the sages were wrong, G-D forbid. In fact the opposite if they had been in our situation they would have the option to do otherwise and in my opinion they would (as happened at the beginning of the revolts, during Hannukah, Purim and the days of the Prophets and Judges).