I have not read all 29 pages of this thread, and I can't really comment on the banning because I wasn't directly involved in it. That said, I would like to comment on some of the accusations being made here.
Over the past several years I have investigated many claims of Mod leaks and Mod favoritism. I have not found one instance that I could substantiate with any evidence.
Regarding Leaks:
These are typically attempts by disgruntled former or current members to undermine a Mod that they don't like. The most effective technique is similar to the one used by so called psychics. They use available information to draw inferences about the unknown. They then throw out these inferences like a monkey throwing shit against a wall until something sticks. Upon close investigation it turns out that no actual private information was leaked.
Regarding Favoritism:
We are all human. More importantly, all Mods and Admins at this site are both Members and Volunteers. So... it can be difficult to be all of these at once. If you like someone you are going to see them in a different light than if you don't like them. However, all of the cases that I have looked into have turned out to be so negligible as to be insignificant.
I stand behind the Mods and Admins of this site. They are the best that I have ever seen. They work so hard behind the scenes so that this place can be enjoyable for us all. Further, they regularly go against their personal feelings (as Members) in trying to uphold the rules that are in place. When a rule doesn't make sense to them, they still follow it, but express their disagreement. This has been my experience, and I believe the experience of most of the members of this forum.
It really bothers me to see mud slung at those who have volunteered their time to work on this site. If you believe that a Mod or Admin is doing wrong, then by all means send me a PM and substantiate your claim. But, please, show some respect and understanding toward the position that these folks are in. Everything that they do is viewed under a microscope. Their is often no decision that they can make in which everyone will be happy. And yet they continue to work on your behalf.
Soon we will open up applications for new moderators. As always, I encourage everyone who is interested to apply. But in the mean time, please give us all a break.
Thanks,
Rob