Yet the TA was fired. So, you really don't know what you're talking about. That is my opinion of your opinion, of course. At the same time, I didn't resort to showing such weakness as you have by name calling and making a foolish statement like "get lost". Whether or not you deem "thoughtful discussion" as
assignment instructions to render an opinion makes no difference to me. I see it as exactly that: Verbalize your opinion/thoughts. The TA is merely another you (in a way) and deserved consequences after having been called for failing the student.