Agaricus.
I really do not know why I am rising to the bait, however your reference to "Orwellian levels of control" is somewhat premature.
The author had the ability to remove their own post, and presumably did !
The only editing you will find from me is when the language is inappropriate or the site rules have been breached to an unacceptable level.
A post is only deleted if the content is so unacceptable that editorial "repair" is not possible. That is is very rare indeed.
I am on holiday and moderating this in my spare time. It will take about five minutes for the jacuzzi to reach the right temperature so you have it.
If you want "free speech" by your own definition then set up your own site. As for ending in "mess and tears", I don't think so .
Anyway the temperature is just right so I am off to soak and relax. Suggest you do likewise.
