My observation on this are threefold:
(i) there needs to be more consistency in moderation between the various observers - something for the ed to pick up on and coach, me feels. Within this, the observers need to give some leeway to the regulars and bounce harder on those newbies who go off the deep end - to be fair this did happen yesterday. Also, we regulars should be more vociferous and cry "back off" if we feel a criticism is near or traverses our sense of decency (and not just hit the report button) - and when this happens the "accuser" should take heed.
Maybe this is too Utopian......
(ii) In addition to the Moderator, should there not be some reps from us who, if we are on, could act as a "panel" if we feel the wrong decision has been made and get a faster recall or perhaps upgrade a suspension to a ban
(iii) Perhaps we ought to have an "angry" corner or what Monty Python termed as a "Room for an Argument"