@QuasiSynth
I
have not said that Hate Speech punishments cannot be changed. I also
have not said that they will not be changed. I
have said that we continuously review our rules and punishment system and that we will review this in 2023. I cannot commit to making a change when I have only one example (though I have not viewed your screenshots) of this type of behavior. I don't recall staff asking for permission to perm mute any players in 2022 for similar behavior. I'll be the first to admit my memory isn't perfect though.
I typically address rules and paths that are causing issues prior to those that aren't liked. As staff, our rules are frequently criticized, as are most of our decisions and actions. It would be impossible to change any rule or path to make everyone happy. That is why I prefer to make decisions based on data and facts rather than emotions.
One fact is that I rarely receive complaints from staff about repeat offenders. It is even more rare to be tagged asking if they can perm mute because a player has used hate speech immediately after getting unmuted. Those are both options available to staff to communicate that changes are needed. Instead, I receive complaints that a small but vocal group of people do not like the path. I don't think we have any punishment paths that the entire player base agrees with.
I also don't understand the tendency to recommend only one potential change - increasing the duration of the first mute. I plan to consider all options before deciding what if any if changes will be recommended to the team. Changing the duration of the first mute is certainly an option. But there are several others under consideration.
I think we both want the same outcome - fewer hate speech offenses. I do appreciate your dedication to improving our community. I am not trying to ignore or dismiss your concerns. But, I cannot commit to any changes today in this post. Thank you.