Abuse of Power and Lack of Transparency on SMP

As SMP continues to become a major TF platform, it is clear that there needs to be a real system of checks and balances on the server. The current staff team has demonstrated in many instances that they are not fit to be left unattended, especially since they are an official TF platform. Time and time again, abuse, lack of transparency, and unfair advantages are given to certain people on the server.

This includes but isn't limited to certain players/groups being given more gear, land, and other advantages. The rules also seem to be made up on the spot and then applied retroactively for convenience.

Additionally, one of the highest ranking staff members is Ivan, a former admin suspended for corruption and use of offensive language, who continues to use his position in a clearly abusive manner. The issue is that with the EAO and/or the IA having essentially no jurisdiction this is also brushed under the rug time and time again.

Just today, I was banned out of the blue for seemingly personal reasons. With the same group of people who were ousted here for being corrupt in power, history is repeating itself. 

The same group of people I got suspended after leaking the logs have a personal vendetta against me and a few others which are they are now carrying out with their position of power.



So this was particularly odd, since not only have I been building, claiming land, etc on the server, but I also was banned out of the blue. Additionally, I have not been "warned several times before" nor do I come on the server and "cause problems," I have generally only interacted with friends on the server, with the exception of yesterday when a new member decided to come at me with insults unprovoked. Or can they insult me but I can't respond back?

So I had someone reach out to the person who banned me (Ivan) to see what was up and this was his response: 



This was the kicker because not only have I never messaged nor talked to Grant (also surprisingly part of the group that I got suspended!) on the server, but Ivan was in direct violation of the TF SMP policy:

c. Other applicable offenses listed in Section 3 of the Server Rules & Conduct Policy



First Offense: Warning

Second Offense: Warning

Third Offense: Section 1d (ban)


After quoting this and asking the other staff to find even one evidence in the logs of me talking to the person in question in any form on the server, Ivan responded with this:



The only time I've been "warned" was yesterday when about 6 people including myself were muted for 5 mins. Some other fun facts: This same group of suspended admins have harassed me and others and gotten off scot-free. Just today, Ivan claimed some of my faction's land and when confronted about it, only gave back half of it, keeping the rest and brushed it off as an "accident". 

I ultimately got my ban reduced (still against policy) but only after a grueling exchange with several SMP staff.

So the question remains: Why is the person who was suspended here for corruption and misconduct given the final word on an official TF platform? And why isn't this official TF platform under IA jurisdiction?