[AnkhMorporkian]

I think you're spot on. I manage an online game, and we don't have rules. We have somewhat vague guidelines, and moderators we trust to enforce them.

Rules are open to arguments, and with dozens of bans/appeals a day, it'd be ridiculous to do that. We tried strict rules, and they are both too restrictive and ineffective.

Humans need to make judgements, and guidelines give you the latitude to do that.

[chii]

People who skirt those judgement will always exist, but having the 'we are the law' kind of rule sucks for a community.