Yes, I think it had some good effects on the developers. They are more open now, they are explaining and they try to fight to give their best. Most of them discuss in an appropriate way. And of course they consider the voices of the users. It's somewhat like politicians that want to be chosen, get the votes. It's a good thing I think.
I disagree, I would even say that it is not an indirect result of the 'division'. The community did complain several times at various places that there was a lack of communication and thus the developers have started working on that aspect. If anything, the division wasted everyone's time.
Difference of opinion is not a division.
Imagine the following: We are looking at a black table. I tell you that it is black and you tell me that it is white. Is this a difference of opinion? I'd say that it isn't.
The sticks in the mud need to be drowned out by the more reasonable guys.
The only ones that were ever rolling in the mud, were the 'fork' fanatics.
This division might actually be good for bitcoins, it keeps developers on their toes to keep improving on past achievements.
No.
