Not taking sides but I do know that TOM has Always said no bumping scammer threads with smilies and no socializing/joking in that section. He sent me a warning via PM back when I first started posting in 2007. It wasn't nasty just something along the lines of
"People that lose money to scammers will not appreciate wise cracks. Keep that stuff in the other sections" not an exact quote but something like that.
Again, not taking sides in this argument because I don't know all the facts... just pointing out that it isn't a new rule...and I admit I am as guilty as anyone about breaking it also.