While I agree with your core reasoning, I saw multiple instances where there was ad homenim (which includes name calling, unlike what the pyramid implies) attacks with no apparent purpose. I also did not see any rule changes- in fact, it seems like one of the only core rules is don't drag down discussion in the pyramid, which is definitely open to interpretation. Of course, I saw ad homs from some others on here who have not been banned either, which may indicate selective enforcement.

A core problem with moderation is that if you have hard rules, people will find a way to post things that skirt said rules but is clearly against them in spirit. If you have rules open to interpretation you will often get favoritism and authoritarianism. So you can have a massive rule index like legal code that is easy to break because you don't know something, or you have clear simple rules that need interpretation. Saidit has not claimed to be intended for free speech, but free discussion, thus a person who has controversial opinions would be fine, but seeing how low the conversation was within a day of them joining is an indication of future activity. I would be in favor of a tiered approach instead- leniency based upon a combination of contribution and time, and stricter enforcement for newer accounts.