[deepblueq]

Is this really that common an issue? It seems like anyone who's at a level where they're using rm regularly should know that that's a command you think before issuing. If they didn't, then that's exactly why you have backups.

Then, if it was in the backups, the short-term problem is solved, and maybe the experience will scare them into being a bit more careful in the future.

If it wasn't in the backups, the most likely reason would seem to me be that it was created since the last backup (not that I'd know, IANA sysadmin), in which case there wasn't a ridiculous amount of work lost - maybe the experience will make them a bit more careful in the future.

Of course, the above doesn't apply with the sort of user who thinks IT is magic and can do anything, but if they're using rm, you've got bigger problems.

Also, personal opinion, but I hate automatic trash folders - rm is supposed to delete stuff. If I want a recycle bin, I'm happy to mv to a folder I created for the purpose.