To address post 52 specifically, I'd say that as a past moderator, I'd like to think that, A, given the climate surrounding the situation, B, given the initial poster's history and, C, given the fact that this particular topic did not seem well intended I would have done the following:
1. Supervised the topic very closely.
2. Contacted the team and given them a link to the topic.
3. Requested that if I did make any moderation decision another mod or mods evaluate said decision and given their opinion on how the situation was being handled to that point.
Of course, there is one more variable I'm not factoring in, because this one is actually kind of hard, and that is the emotional involvement with the topic. Had I been just as involved with the overall conversation which, I've gathered thus far has taken place over a span of topics and posts priar to now, I might have initially wanted, at the very least, wanted, to react the way Jayde did. Overall, I'd say his handling of the situation is not my style, but I don't expect it to be, and given his practically apologizing to the community and reopening the previous topic that caused this whole controversial mess... I, as a long time user of this forum, look more to his intent rather than his previous actions. He wants the community to thrive, even if at times he does go about it the wrong way. His success is going to depend on a few things, but the most important right now is that you all, even those of you who have personal beaf with him, give him a good, honest chance. Rather than sitting around questioning his decisions, why don't you flip the coin upside down and question the people who are being moderated?
I said it above and I'll say it again; no one reacts kindly to a moderation warning. It's easy, super easy to lash out when someone gives you one, particularly if you don't agree with the person giving it to you. If I could ask you all to pay attention to one more thing though, it would be a little quote I picked up along the way while reading...
“If wisdom’s ways you wisely seek,
Five things observe with care,
To whom you speak,
Of whom you speak,
And how, and when, and where.”
When life gives you oranges, demand lemons since everyone else is obviously getting them.