I think the error is assuming there are some mythical guidelines or rules for when to, or when not to ban.
I am sure the mods do try to do their best, but, there is quite simply no clear frame work for them to demonstrate consistency or transparency.
Basically, it all goes on behind a screen. We are not privy to all the goings on, and, arguably, that is just the way it is, we either suck it up or move on.
Clearly, a ban is of little meaning to many posters anyway.
Possibly internet forums are the last frontier for self regulation - i.e. if there is something you don't like, either rail and rant about it til you get banned, ignore it and move on or find (hmm, mayhap even start) another forum.
I neither accept nor reject this notion by the way, just highlighting that is the way it seems to be.
I have no gripe with Annie or Andrei regardless of any previous agreements/disagreements.
They can only do their best with the tools (no I don't mean posters by that term

) they have at their disposal...
So, in short, I do not make the assumption that there are, in fact, rules for banning!