"Using the right category is absolutely not an esoteric rule. It is a rule that is implemented on every well managed forum on the internet."

Even so, the punishment should fit the crime. I agree that flagging is not censorship, but there's also something not quite right when someone gets the same penalty for using six hashtags on an otherwise well written post as they get for plagiarizing an entire article. And although what I've seen is anecdotal, it appears that some of these flag-downs are resulting in what is basically a "life sentence without the possibility of parole."

I'm still learning, so I haven't formed any strong opinions yet, but when new people like me are having reservations about even hitting the "Post" button, I think we might be seeing some warning flags.