Whenever there is a problem- spam, threadomancy, flaming, bad grammar, whatever, I have always made sure to take the extra time to write out a full explanation to the problem poster detailing my actions and my reasons for them. If someone breaks a rule in the forums I moderate, I correct it. Also, the rules are prominently displayed in said forums so there isn't any confusion. I don't make up the rules whenever I feel like it and I don't push newbies around for fun. In fact, I usually just hang back, read the discussions, and step in only when absolutely necessary. Oh, and I'm also a fan of giving posters constructive nudges in the right direction before I actually discipline them (something Belial tried to do).
My behavior is pretty typical. None of the mods here enjoy pushing people around and we're always as discrete as possible, using public punishments only as a last resort. However, we're all human. I'm glad that Leth was able to come to an understanding with Belial (who, by the way, I think handled the whole situation as fairly as possible).
My point is that this whole thing bugs me a little. Not much, this is only the internet after all and I've got real problems to deal with, but the other mods and I sacrifice time from our day every day to insure that posters here have a friendly atmosphere in which to discuss aspects of the Warhammer hobby.
I'm not taking sides, I just felt that I needed to let everyone know how we try to do our jobs.
One thing I learned from this thread is that many of the mods are really cool guys who have astonishing skills in avoiding flamings.
Whether the old "big brother" people like you or not, I think you're doing OK.
I appreciate that