What about the users that are currently being deterred by aggressive moderation? I for one am feeling like I need to walk on eggshells to post anything here and even then I don't know what slip of the keyboard might result in punishment. It feels too oppressive.
I know this sounds like a bit of a stupid suggestion, but I feel it is sufficient enough to sum up everything that is being done wrong and how to fix it.
Instead of thinking you have to try not being insulting, how about not trying to be insulting.
So long as you don't actively and intentionally post profanity (genitals are genitals no matter how you dress them), insult other players (yes, there are instances in which something like the word "gay" can be used as an insult), or haze members of communities (being in a faction does not mean you volunteer yourself as a subject of abuse) your posts will likely not be moderated. The only complaints I do have about the current moderation system are regarding how off-topic posts are handled. I personally agree with
DukeofRealms' idea to allow posts to still be viewable after being marked as off-topic. A vast majority of the deleted posts that I'm aware of are very clearly intended to hurt someone else, which in a community such as this is unacceptable. Instead of thinking you can't say anything, start by just toning down what you say.