Jonathan Napalm, I think you have a SERIOUS underestimation of what it takes to run a large forum like this and to keep it as well moderated and civil as it is. This forum is FANTASTIC; probably the best on the internet. I was a moderator for almost 2 years of another site, talkbass.com, which is a forum very similiar to this in it's civility and quality (albeit in a musical sense, though for every rec.martial-arts there's an alt.bass.guitar forum) but it has like 35,000 members. Problems like this happen pretty consistantly, and sometimes both parties need to take some blame.
In this case especially, a lot of people who aren't doing any sort of moderation disagree with the decision made, and are making note of it quite strongly publically. Quite honestly, I'd simply say to you guys: tough. Nobody really understands the full bredth of the energy it requires to read every single post in every thread of the forums you moderate every single day, before you can read the threads that interest you elsewhere. It requires a LOT of effort, believe me. If they make decisions on something, which in this specific case are fairly small with no bannings, just let it be and (I think) don't take up the issue with the moderator publically. It's enough work for them to not only keep this site as fantastic as it is on a day to day basis, let alone to have to explain every single decision they make publically so as not to cause an uprising. J Napalm's specific post sounded very much like the child yelling at his mother for buying him only 1 toy and not 2; he got something he wanted but still complained anyway because he didn't get everything he wanted. Be appreciative of what these folks do for you; they've given you an outstandingly civil forum with intelligent discussions and even polite debates so there is no need to be rude back at them at the slightest of disagreements.
While I do very much enjoy Ryushikan's posts and his highly extensive knowledge of anything Okinawa (among many other things), look at it from the moderators perspective: the lineage witchhunts, however useful they are in exposing frauds, makes a lot of work for the moderators and ESPECIALLY Bob Hubbard. Most of it may be behind the scenes, but it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. From their perspective, it's simply punishing both sides of the one going argument; Ryushikan vs. 'frauds'. Even though he was definitely set up, it doesn't change the fact of the matter that he would've acted the same way had it NOT been a set up. I do, however, not wish Ryushikan to leave permenantely, as he is a wealth of information that has yet to nearly be tapped, however it's a difficult situation because of all the trouble to whole exposé has caused. I would love to see him come back when the moderators wish his suspension to be up. Ryushikan is a very intelligent man, and I hope he understands the situation from the perspective of the people running the site as well; nobody wants him to leave permenantly.
I think the whole situation from the Ryushikan sympathizers side has been made a far larger deal than it need be; he was penalized for repeated action, but so was the other guy who was penalized further and likely won't come back. Think of it this way; given his action, the latter likely won't really be accepted back because of his strange course of action seeking retribution, but Ryushikan will be back with open arms. Some time off is alright, he can always spend it doing some extra training!

Most large forums that are similiar to this one wouldn't give such a light punishment, but because we're more of a closeknit family he receives a (truly) light punishment comparatively. Why? Rules are rules regardless, and they must be upheld regardless of the person in question. Were Ryushikan's intentions poor? No, not in the least. But it doesn't change the fact of the matter that rules were broken or bended, regardless of the person with which they were in relation to (shuri-te or whatever). He's not being that severely chastized in the least, simply that he had to pay for the rules being upheld, which, quite honestly, I'd much rather see because if they're upheld stronger people will follow them stronger which makes for a stronger forum with better discussions. No worries, in three weeks he'll be back and things will be 100% normal. Don't get me wrong, I agree with Ryushikan and he's one of my favorite members to read, but let's not make this anymore difficult for the moderators than necessary.
Simply from the perspective of someone who's been a moderator longer than this site has been around, I think everyone owes all of the moderators and especially Bob Hubbard a very LARGE thanks. What the do for the site is practically beyond the comprehension of most of the people here and we ALL take it for granted far too often. Much thanks to all of you; your work on this site, one of the best martial arts forums on the net, is truly underappreciated. It's very difficult to create a forum as civil and well organized as this one is. Thank you guys very much!
I don't mean to sound authoritarian or argumentative in the least with all this; I've simply had some experience in the matter and may see it a bit differently than some of you. Regardless of what happens, I would hate to see Ryushikan go and I think it would be an unnecessary loss, but the moderators have to upheld the rules as possible to maintain evenness throughout our community. That's what we're striving to be, after all: a community. In the end, the decisions are the moderators and the moderators alone, and their decision will reflect their interpretation of that.
Give it time to sort it self out.
Chris
PS: Mods, you'll receive a PM from me within a day or two. I'll let the smoke clear a little bit beforehand though.
