I think the problem is that the rules aren't equally and consistently enforced.
Sometimes you can call Liberals baby-hating, America-destroying commies, and get nothing. Others, you can say "the country is going to hell" and get a warning.
Well, players should have the maturity to keep topics that are irrelevant to the game, outside of the game. They attack other players and start obvious 'off rail' discussions, and get all mad when they get punished for it. Some people who comment on it get 'hit' by the moderator, however, I view it like this. If you contribute to the conversation, no matter which side you pick, you contributed and are no better than the one who started it. If you comment on it, you open the door to get nailed by the moderator for giving a reason for the starter of the subject to reply.
Most of the complaints I've heard on being 'muted' was a few mins to an hour, and in extreme cases a week. The problem is players look at it like they own the game, when they are actually renting to play it. They are playing in HTC's court, and get all mad if they get punished, but don't look at what they contributed to the argument (from starting it to various comments in aforementioned argument) but instead look down at HTC for enforcing their rules. And even then, a few mins to an hour isn't anything to complain about. If you can't live without talking to someone for that amount of time, then take a break and come back when you have a cool head.
If it's longer (like a week), then use that time to reflect. What gets me is those who 'suffer' the week penalty, and do the same actions and get that week penalty again! A revolving door...
