The mod banning these users is the same mod who made the posts they downvoted. This is mod abuse, turning the downvote button into an auto-self-ban button.
The message is “If you disagree with me, you will be banned”
Monitoring and banning users for using lemmy as intended to signal boost your opinion should be grounds to have all mod privileges removed. This behaviour undermines the integrity of the server and the wider fediverse.
we fundamentally disagree on what a community is and the value of having safe spaces for niche interests.
Your idea of a “safe space” is parasitic and harmful to the very concept of federation, it’s “value” just a mirage of toxic positivity.
I strongly disagree, your idea of engagement is just toxic toxicity inflicted on every niche interest and community.