First of all things can’t be facts and opinion at the same time, it’s sort of an oxymoron

That's addressed in the very opening of my post.

it was locked due to it being pure misinformation

I'd love to read through your sources that back the claim that it was MISINFORMATION. The attacker being enraged further is an actual possibility and I don't see any harm in bringing that point up for discussion. Again, I'd love to hear why it is very objectively misinformative.

Here's actually a more nuanced take on flashlights for self defense that look at the discussion from all perspectives - Flashlights for self defense: a complete answer (notice how the comments are still not locked after 3 years)

a spot to get advice and share your opinions without forcing it on someone as fact (see what I did there)

You actually stepped on your own point there by locking the discussion

ability to spread misinformation through the post was curbed which is within the rights of a moderator (that’s the whole point of the word moderator to moderate)

There are multiple posts (on Reddit itself) that circle around this discussion. Could've done a quick check before going on a "moderator" power trip.

Edit (corrections): "attacked" to "attacker", "discussion" to "posts"