A reader once effectively challenged my use of the word "lame" to mean inept by providing a link to an essay written by a woman who actually was lame about how hurtful it was when a writer used a word that described what was her daily reality as a putdown. It made me think. I ended up using a different word. On the other hand, I have been attacked for the use of certain words in a way that was so angry and self-righteous that my impulse was to totally resist the change. You're right. Changing language is hard. And some ways to effect change are more persuasive than others.