I hope you will read my posts in the thread where the discussion turned into a minor struggle session. I feel partially responsible for leading the discussion in a direction that got the torches lit.

I think this user has demonstrated contrition, made no effort to hide their HB identity, operates an instance, co-operates in the federation to some small extent and is guilty of little more than being a silly goose.

Without serious and regular discussion about OPSEC and our minimum expectations of users in this regard, it is arbitrary to punish this user with a permaban. Their mistake could be our learning opportunity, while the stakes are still incredibly low, to consider moving into the new year with a sober analysis of all these related subjects. Some good could come of it, but a quiet ban as a smack on the wrist sends a message to a very tiny group of people paying attention right now and IMHO would not be a positive or necessary move, where alternative solutions that are positive and might be necessary and useful for the future security of the site and its users exist and are highlighted by this minor event.

Note I am unfamiliar with the user in question and my monkey-brain loyalty wants me to side with @GalaxyBrain for irrational reasons, I am posting sincerely at risk of alienating a user I appreciate.

Lets not start the new year off with some vindictive ban shit, definitely not anything rash or impulsive.

With all due respect for your limited time and with gratitude for your efforts in helping hexbear stay rad.