I completely understand OP's aggravation with such behavior. There are plenty of ways to say something, or not say anything at all. Sometimes managing an online forum feels like being a kindergarten teacher, or a policeman, and this is perhaps the least "fun" part of the "job" (unless you enjoy this type of thing).

Personally I have never understood why some folks choose to say certain things the way they do. Sometimes I attribute it to cultural difference - there are people here from all over the world after all. Other times, I think it is clearly bad manners and stupidity.

However, "Freedom of speech" is somewhat of a loaded expression - even in a private forum such as this. On a purely philosophical level, it begs the question:

Where does freedom of speech on a privately owned forum start - and where does it end?

Of course, the premise that bad manners, hateful speech, offensive graphic content, covert & overt marketing tactics etc. etc. are unacceptable - is a perfectly logical one. It is crucial to enforce these issues in order to obtain a good environment for serious and in depth discussion about any subject. No argument there.

BUT - and I say this with utmost care and respect - It seems to me that there may have been instances (not the one mentioned by OP of course, but others) where the finger may have been a bit "trigger happy".

Either / Or - like you said in so many words - it's not a Democracy it's a dictatorship. It's YOUR PRIVATELY OWNED dictatorship. and anyone who does not like it can get lost.

I'm happy to be here.