Great post. I wish more people would take such a rational, thought out view of deeply negative emotional experiences. I've seen other reports about negative things this user has done and hopefully the network is responding to the point where their reputation will go down enough to not allow this in the future (already, we see some of that happening here). Lower reputations can't impact higher reputations, but unfortunately, new users start at 0 (though it's displayed as a 25, I think).

I like some aspects of your proposals, but:

assume we are adults and can decide for ourselves. I don't think the coddling is really necessary and believe this to be a better solution.

It's not just about that. Some people have been massively abused and it's important to flag those accounts quickly to limit the harm they can do to others (eventually their comments are hidden by default). I think a balance is needed where if things like this happen right away to new accounts, they have a quick and simply process to appeal the situation and it's made very clear to them they are innocent until proven guilty. I'm also hopeful network forces will naturally discourage the type of flagging you saw. I'm going to give you a follow because I really respect your attitude in responding to this and for looking for futures. I think Steemit can use a lot more people like you here.