Why so down on Las Ramblas?

For the last couple of years I've been reading more and more message boards proclaiming the dangers of Las Ramblas and the bordering areas such as the Gothic, Ravel and of course the lower end by the port. It almost seems the concerns have become hysterical. While I haven't been in about 4 years, I don't remember such panic about it. I've been twice. Both times I stayed on Las Ramblas at The Citadines for a total of about 10 days. I remember it as being no more dangerous than any other big city with a large concentration of tourist. I think maybe people expect their holiday to be like a visit to Disneyland.

Here is an article from The Guardian and an expat blog.

Safe travels
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/24/barcelona-crime-las-ramblas

http://www.expatica.com/es/lifestyle_lei...3.html?ppager=0