Fair comment 'united'.
I don't defend him, as such. What I do defend is people who get banned and moderated on here. I don't believe in it, unless it is for severe reasons. I've not seen anything to warrant some of the bans, for him, MrsBlue, Rusty, Chocolardo, Ironshrimper and others. They just have a posting style that offends some. Those offended people give as good as they get and often spark the exchanges, though.
I like all posters on here, for differing reasons, and can sift through the posts I don't like or comment on them, as I have done recently, but others have to challenge these and they are the ones who get themselves in hot water.
There's plenty of baiting and trolling by some on here, which I see and it's let go. I've had it myself. Certain people's cards are marked.
The easiest solution is to poll it, I think. Poll the forum regarding those that are banned/moderated. If people want "freedom of speech" so much, let the people decide. The donators and contributors to this great site.
A few months ago, if you were a guest from another club and logged on here, you'd think everyone on here hated PB, yet when a poll was conducted, they were in a 1 in 4 minority. A few posts on a subject often aren't how the majority feel. Just how I see it....
Ps, Apologies 'RHB'. I read United's post and replied, before continuing to read the rest of the thread, where you subsequently posted. I expect this will be deleted, in which case, let me know and I'll PM 'united'