Rocky, I think NCR has to look long and hard at its cadre of writers and decide if it wants to be known for off-the-cuff opinion pieces or well-thought-out essays. There are people out there -- Joan Chittister comes to mind, but I'm sure there are many others -- who can analyze an issue without making the essay all about their own views. 
On that point, I was pleased to see the essay by Sr. Ilia today, although I would have liked an opportunity to comment on her substantive piece. I still don't understand why Global Sisters Report has to be treated separately.