In support of the moderators, I would suggest that they have an entirely thankless task, for a job that they do, by & large very efficiently. Without them it’s difficult to see how this site can survive. I doubt either of them would miss the probably non existent salary! It certainly doesn’t come from my subs, or anyone else’s.
Their task is rather like that of a children’s soccer referee taking very public and verbal abuse when they rule against a parent’s particular team or child. Not surprisingly in areas where this occurs it’s becoming impossible to retain or recruit people into these positions; then surprise surprise teams and leagues are disbanded. The disrespectful parents are entirely to blame when this happens.
Without moderation and rules this site would be in a minefield of legal disasters, waiting to happen, including, but not limited to closure or litigation
Now my dealings with both the moderators has been extremely limited, but less it be said I’m trying to curry favour for myself, I will say they are human, and as such not infallible.
Mistakes will inevitably sometimes happen. However if I found myself being sanctioned for something I’d done, I would either grin and bear it, or if I felt it was questionable, or unfair, I would raise this directly with the person concerned. I would be confident of a fair hearing, or second opinion.
Complaining publicly, with the obvious intention of causing embarrassment to the parties concerned, is not the way to change any minds. It’s a bit like having a shouting argument in a restaurant, when the meal has been unsatisfying. A quiet discrete complaint is far more likely to lead to a resolution.
Goading or daring people to take sanctions, is pretty dumb, and may not have the intended consequences.
Its a bloody good job I am not on the moderating team, because I would show considerably less restraint towards some of the nasty complainants, than has been shown here.
Anyone unhappy with the site, (rules & all) is entitled to either cease active participation or if they wish they are free to leave.