You are absolutely right, Oche.
There shouldn't even have to be a discussion about it, moderators on forums are like umpires in baseball, referees in hockey and football. Without them, it becomes a free for all. Can you imagine how nasty some people would get if they felt that no one was watching over them, I mean, it can get downright nasty already, but at least it weeds a few people out that can't take the heat.
Moderators also have the difficult task of having to move posts when people (who obviously don't know how to read) don't read the "before posting-please read" instructions and go ahead and post their questions in the wrong forum, therefore not getting any answers. Oops, I just remembered I did that once so I won't be too harsh on those people!!!
They also have to control how many threads start on the same subject otherwise people have to just keep answering the same questions over and over.
Moderators have the work of glorified babysitters - they see something about to happen or that has just occured and they have to take action or else. If you saw your child about to do something that is derogatory to others or about to start a fight or ask why, why, why a thousand times, wouldn't you step up and do something about it?
They, as a team, work very hard to maintain DR1 as the #1 DR website for Robert and to make sure the members provide as much intellectual and substantiated information regarding the DR to keep the member base growing.
I, for one, could not even fathom walking into a privately owned business and immediately start telling them how to run their business, criticize their workers, and be disrespectful towards the person who held the door open for me. Some people just don't get it!
The moderators are not out to get you, they are there to guide you.
My thoughts for whatever they are worth.
Marlie