Man... I leave the server for a few months or so, become active again and it's like the place is coming off the hinges... 
Allow me to preface this post with my past history of Freelancer in general since I'm sure there are many of you here who have never seen me on the server or talked to me in-game... I've played this game since nearly it's release along with countless mods for it and various servers, ranging from FreeWorlds, Realspace to the WTS mod to even the Battlestar Galatica Dawn of War server. So is any of that supposed to impress you?
NO.
However I want to tell you I didn't just turn up on the turnip truck here so to speak either... I've played a number of other popular space sims,(even some fairly recent ones!) but none of them stack up to the depth, capabilities, ideas and action of Freelancer and more importantly, this mod, the Crossfire Mod as well. Now granted I've seen my fair share of drama, suspense and intrigue from various games/servers and sadly after all these years, it all seems to be the same no matter where I go. Unfortunately, this is a real shame and a sad fact of affairs with this mod and it's server, but as you can guess, it's to be expected.
I've stood by for far too long on the sidelines now watching all of this unfold like a bad soap opera and I feel it's time I have to say a few words to all who will listen and take heed:
Seriously people, I know I'm just a lowly, nobody Freelancer on this server, but man, can everybody who's got a raging case of the redass please take a few steps back, take a obviously much needed vacation away from this mod/server/forum for a week or two(or however long it takes!!!) and RELAX!!! This mod/game/server is not worth a heart attack over folks! Take a break, go live some offline time away from the computer with friends and family, get things back into perspective, if not just for my meager pleas, but for your own sakes! Lord knows I have to do it on a regular basis myself! 
Look, I realize there is drama in any server to some degree, but this level of butthurt and strife I've observed leading up to now over the past half-year is not healthy folks. And personally, to me, it's heartbreaking because this is really an incredible mod for Freelancer and I believe there are some good, honest, genuine people here that just want as I do, to enjoy this mod online with some friendly people. Yes, I realize people have screwed up, yes I realize this is OP's show and his word is final, so deal with reality folks and leave if you must, but don't go away mad. This doesn't mean you who are being punished has to leave either. Yes, there are times we may be petty and acting like children, but we are all after all, human. We all make mistakes, live and learn. Now, I've met some pretty underhanded individuals on my time here on the server, but I've also met some really down-to-earth folks who just want to enjoy themselves on the server and make new friends. I truly feel that unfortunately the facts of life are that a small minority of folks tend to screw up a good thing for the rest of us.
However OP I do want to say this to you, I hope this doesn't mean you have to throw out the baby with the bathwater either. I believe everyone deserves a second chance too.
Ultimately, we are here on this server, this forum and playing this Freelancer mod for one reason and one reason primarily:
FUN.
The events leading up to now has effectively spoiled the FUN.
So just who is responsible? ALL OF US, either directly or indirectly.(for some causing it to happen and others like myself, who stood by and let it happen!)
Who can fix it? Nobody but OURSELVES.
My personal recommendation to those who are to blame? Stop acting like children, if the shoe fits, and man/woman up, figure out a solution to this servers problems and then BE HAPPY playing CF! Be a gentleman/lady and accept responsibilty for your actions, apologize to whoever needs apologizing to, learn from your mistakes, help us all figure out a way to best address server issues and move on. We're all mostly the age of a responsible, mature adult here, right? Swallow a little pride, apologize and deal with it, keeping strife between one another is not worth trashcanning this mod and it's server is it? Because that's the way we're headed if things do not change. I know this because I've read all of OP's posts and it doesn't take a genius to figure out the man's pissed. And pissing off an mod author on whom the server you frequent on is not a smart idea if you like playing on it. IMHO I believe OP is a reasonable man and has been fairer than most server owners I've seen over the years, sure perhaps he's made a mistake or two, but who hasn't in life? I can't fault the man for trying to do what he feels is in the best interest of HIS mod and HIS server, whether you like him or agree with him or not. The rules OP lays down for this server are there to maintain peace and the enjoyment of this mod for everyone on it, they are worthless as is this server if no one upholds them or is there to dutifully enforce them, I hope we all understand and realize that.
Really, I really hate to see people leave this mod/server over such petty matters IMHO, but if it's bugging you that much then by all means... Perhaps it's better for both sides of the issues, but I do please ask that you reconsider.
IMHO I'm a pretty easy going individual and have learned to forgive and forget,(even when I've had my ass chapped on here a few times haha) as hard as it was over the years... But can we all try to do the same and try to remember what we are all really here for? Because quite honestly, I've got enough drama in my life as it is outside of this game and I'm pretty certain most, if not all of you feel the same way too.
Again, this post is not directly pointed at anyone or placing blame on anyone, but if the shoe fits... Well, let's hope none of us has to wear it. Above all, just remember, it's just a GAME, a game we play for FUN! Remember that rule, try not to spoil the fun for others and you'll never go wrong.
Thanks for reading and goodday to you all,(especially as long winded this post was LOL) hope to see you all in space, as friends, fellow pilots and members of this awesome mod and it's server. Good flying, good hunting and good game, see ya in space. 
Signed,
A lowly, nobody, lurking Freelancer,
-Ryleous Arkane
P.S. - Thanks a million OP and to the SWAT team for all your blood, sweat and tears into this mod.
...From a big Freelancer fan who's seen alot of mods come and go.
Feel free to lock this post OP if you want, but if there is going to be any discussion in it, I ask you all to please keep it civil and DO NOT DRAG UP ANY DRAMA OR STRIFE, thanks! 
Come find me if you're able sir. [8]
