Whether a comment is pure opinion, mixed opinion, or fact is just one of many factors that will be analyzed in a defamation suit, albeit an important one.
But I agree with you that we all seem to agree that it will be the publication of false facts that are problematic, if these false facts work to injure an individual’s (or entity’s) reputation. So it is good to leave this thread with this agreement.
It does not sound as if AverageJoeMama has to concern herself with any of this at this point anyway, though, because her current employer does not seem to be concerned with it. Should that change in the future, AverageJoeMama can discuss her legal options with a Tennessee attorney well-versed in defamation law, keeping in mind the very short statute of limitations for filing suit.