Treating all users equally would be a start. It's been made clear by some mods that certain users get more leeway in terms of rule breaking because of their popularity or the 'quality they bring to the forum' (whatever that means). For me, it's not unreasonable to expect that every single user on the forum should adhere to the rules, whether you're new to the forum or a 'legend' with thousands of posts. I've said many times that one wouldn't simply act a snide prick to somebody's face over a difference of footballing opinion in a pub for example. I'd view that as unacceptable behaviour and I view it as unacceptable behaviour on here too. I'm aware that the internet is a coward's paradise of course, but everyone should strive to treat one another with respect (and that won't happen if some users think they're above the rules).
Sorry for the extremely late reply. 
As much as we try to adhere to basic fundamental rules for all posters, the inconsistencies will remain and we make no apology for that given that would imply we didn't mean to. There are some posters, who have been here a long time, such as yourself included, who would warrant a discussion rather than just a straight ban for an infringement, especially on the first time. All the mods are individuals with individual moderating styles and lives and it would be impossible on a such a site as this, with volunteer mods to run it any other way.
