[Pault]

I agree that the OP should leave his opinion out of the top post. It just seems proper that the top post should be for introducing the thread only. And also, it allows the OP, who sometimes is not thinking clearly when he/she makes the thread, to have a chance to see what other people think and possibly view the situation from the shoes of a "disinterested, benevolent spectator" (Utilitarianism). It could save a lot of hurt feelings.

On the other hand, I don't think negatively of an OP just because they gave their opinion in the top post. I just don't recommend it.