replacing flags with just "mute" will save everyone from vendettas =)
Just think about it
spam will still remain invisible after muting
no user can be downvoted till zero
there's already system of stimulation running, what's the point of penalty system? if user gets no upvotes, any spammer will eventually stop, am I right?
Spam in long-term, has only one point - to earn. In short term - just to annoy someone.