What are those "other methods"? According to WP:SOCK "similarities in interests and editing style" might help to detect sockpuppets. If this is the case, how can we make sure, that we do not block different editors, who happen to share the same POV? Does it matter at all since we might call them as well meatpuppets? How do we prevent admins from blocking not a vandal but a certain POV?
For an example of what this sort of evidence can look like see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Requests_for_arbitration/Agapetos_ang... This isn't an ideal example since it is linking an IP address to someone outside Wikipedia and I didn't know as much about this sort of thing way back in March of 2006 as I know now. And I'm certainly not as good as picking up subtle cues as Durova is. As is I hope apparent in this particular case, the editing patterns extended not just from POV but from a unique intersection of interests as well as some linguistic quirks. ****** Actually that case isn't a good example of my Wikisleuthing. I was a fairly new editor in early 2006 and hadn't yet learned a lot of the things I know now. On the other hand, it's the perfect example of how I set the goal of a neutral encyclopedia ahead of my personal opinions about particular issues.
Agapetos angel was a young earth creationist and I was her sole supporter at the arbitration case. Rarely do I disclose my personal politics, but it happened to be relevant to mention there that my own views on the issue were diametrically opposed to hers. I had answered a content-based request for comment on an article where she was active and was so impressed by its editors' willingness to set aside ideology and approach the matter in terms of site policies that I awarded them a collective barnstar. Agapetos angel had a share of that barnstar and I thought she was doing a good job of supplying balance to the page.
-Durova