Two small points of discussion.

Rather than deleting whole threads, UBB software allows threads to be closed to further posting. What would be the justification for nuking rather than simply closing down a thread? Even the infamous MileageGod69 threads were simply locked rather than removed. I think topics should only be deleted for legal reasons (libel, fraud, etc.) but not rhetorical ones (flame wars, too much R-rated chatter).

While I agree that some degree of detachment is a prerequesite for moderators, they can't be so far removed from the action that they have no context from which to assess the appropriateness of the posts. For example, if I go way OMNI on kokonuts, or Catman goes OMNI about Yaz and Eddie the moderator should let that stuff slide with comment. Good-natured jousting with others on the boards is part and parcel of this community.

Your thots?