Jimmy Wales wrote:
Why? Why do we do things this way rather than following some mechanistic legal system? Because we know each other, we trust each other, we share responsibilities, and we proceed forward thoughtfully and carefully to try to make sure that in all cases, justice is done.
This is why I asked earlier if you were aware of the community discussions on the matter. Because there is a significant number of Wikipedians who don't know and don't trust Brandt, and don't feel that this is a just activity. There's a not-insignificant number of people who don't share that sort of opinion about many members of the power structure here, and when the power structure, as it were, completely ignores community consensus (one of those ultra-important things), it causes a loss of faith in the entire process.
When I can agree with unblocking Brandt, but still feel disheartened by the whole affair, there's something wrong.
-Jeff