I had not intended to solicit discussion.
The comment I posted was:
But I continue to believe preventing rule breaking is better than imposing sanction after the fact.
I'm somewhat puzzled that you apparently don't.
In this case it's not, but in other cases it is?

This site has TWO policies?

tadpole256,
I've been Moderating, & or Administering BBS sites for years.
You can tell that nonsense to other more gullible persons if you wish.
But I know better.

Surely you should not divulge confidential details. You should not, and I ask that you do not.
But if birdyboy was banned for what he posted, then why not say so?
If the post which earned him his ban is still displayed, why not post a link to it here?
If it was such an egregious violation that this site's cadre (you, or any other) edited or deleted it, that would not prevent you from disclosing the nature of violation.
If it was a vulgarity, you needn't repeat the vulgarity. It's a simple matter to tastefully characterize it: ie "the f-word" for example. Clearly understood. Where's the problem?

The fact that you opt to not do this suggests you feel you have something to hide.
Is there another more plausible explanation for your secrecy here tadpole256?
What does that have to do with birdyboy's banning?
Do you mean to suggest he did something "behind the scenes" to get himself banned?
What could that possibly be? Attempted extortion? Identity theft? Computer hacking your server? Do you take me for a fool?
tadpole256,
I have years of U.S. federal law enforcement experience. Again, you state the perfectly obvious; evidently your unsuccessful attempt at a red herring.
Again you state the obvious.

One of two things is true.
Either you take me for such a fool that you sincerely think I didn't know this.
If that's the case, then you are clearly wrong.
Or, you're being defensive about something you're uncomfortable about disclosing.
Why would you not take pride in your work tadpole256?
Why so defensive?
What have you to hide?
What have you to be ashamed of?

Furthermore, your short-tempered brinkmanship further confirms your emotional pique. Your sensitivity betrays a vulnerability.
Persons that take pride in their work generally tend to be proud to flaunt it.

If keeping your secret is that important to you tadpole256, please do.
But if you think I'm fool enough to fall for your dramatic secrecy here, you profoundly underestimate me.
I seriously doubt you'd be fool enough to believe the story you're telling me here, if I told it to you at one of my sites. It would never occur to me to do so.
Why you seem to think I would believe it is quite beyond me.