I’ve banned a lot of people in my 10+ years working video game support, so I’ll submit two stories, both from the same company:

But was it in the Will?

While I don’t know why this person was banned, I do know that in their email to support, they discussed how they used this game to bond with their grandfather. It was what they had in common and it meant a lot to them. Recently, though, their grandfather took ill and he didn’t have much time. When this player went to go see his grandfather on his deathbed, his grandpa looked him in the eyes, and with his final breath said: “Get your <game> account back.” So please... even though the player cheated and even though he broke the rules... can’t we find it in our hearts to grant an old man’s dying wish?

We’ve had a lot of fun here today.

A group of use moderators were crowded around a computer screen, for someone was not just blatantly cheating, but making a show of it. You see, they and their friend were standing on top of a building that you can’t get to without hacking. And from that building, the two of them were shouting to the crowd joyfully, as if putting on a show. And there was a crowd. People swarming the building to gawk at these two joyful bamboozlers who were laughing and mocking the game. It was quite the scene.

After admiring their charisma for a second, we ban one of them. He blips out of the game instantly. The other turns around, looking for just a moment to confirm that he is suddenly alone. Not missing a beat, he faces his “audience” again and does the sit emote, adapting a casual position.

“Friends,” he says. “I’m about to be banned. And before I go, I’d like to say a few things-”. I honestly don’t recall what he said. What I do remember was that it was friendly, upbeat, and with no air of resentment towards us for doing our jobs or the game for this situation. It was a racuously in-spirit goodbye. So we let him finish his grandiose farewell. When it’s done, two of the mods uncloak in front of him, ape the /attack action as if striking him down, and then ban him from the game. No ill feelings from them or the audience. All part of the show.