I would like to assume that the staff have discretion when it comes to dishing out short or long term bans. Then again, we all know what happens when we assume.
With that being said, in my opinion; there should be a set statute of limitations. Getting banned today for something that was posted or said three years ago is pretty shady on the part of the Moderation.. Culture shifts, people view things as offensive as the culture shifts. Something I post today could be viewed as highly offensive in two years; would I deserve a ban for that?
I understand that LOTC is able to do what they can with what they have in terms of staff volunteering; we are not the greatest pool of candidates as this community is toxic in almost every form and corner of the platform.
So then, you're left with choosing the lesser of the two evils; whom as always are human and are subject to make mistakes and bad judgement calls. No Moderator is a perfect Moderator, it's impossible. Policy amendments and reforms do help, especially if they're enforced from the top because things roll downhill.
Consistency has been an ongoing problem with many of the staff teams, I feel though we're headed in the right direction after so very long, though.. With my observations and correct me if I'm wrong; nothing seems to get done without a mass public outcry or outing of people on a public report. That is an issue as well, but carry on!