Eliza... you ARE a decent, honest poster who always identifies yourself. Max allows GUEST postings to make sure that new folk, those who can't log on because of cookie or work restrictions ...and those who simply forget... to have access.

Those who use multiple guest identities, trolls, and spam entries can easily sneak in under those rules. Also, I believe blocking 'usually' involves blocking an entire range of IPs, which 'could' block innocent parties.

As SRS says, (and THIS thread shows), some want more moderation, some want less... and many are willing to argue incessantly for their viewpoint.

There is no simple answer. Max said years ago that his job was to provide the forum... keeping it decent was largely up to members and those who care. He realized that some moderation due to spam and genuinely nasty posting was necessary. It is easy to decide about the very worst posts... but how can a moderator cope with those which are slightly less than that? Who draws the borderlines?
The only way to be sure your post is left alone is to **monitor yourself**. It IS possible to debate without cursing, personal attacks and repetitious crap... try it.