Scuttlebutt has always been fine since the inception of NavyAdvancement.com. If someone heard something, they can share it here and others can verify, give a yea or give a nay. The only time there is an issue is when someone is trolling and intentionally give false information. I pretty much know the routine and come down hard on those individuals.
Otherwise, scuttlebutt is really part of what we can go on here and vetting will occur. If someone posts information that they heard that might not be factual someone usually comes on and say "the reason that is not true is because <insert reason>" - it's that simple. People do not have to reveal their source but it is their reputation that comes to light. We all learn and people are more inclined to post rather than not because they are worried about offending someone...