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<grumble> This is a somewhat condensed version of the post I had nearly completed when my tablet decided to shut down. </grumble>
Back to the original topic:
Yes, there are sanctions - in the form of infractions, temporary bans, and permanent bans - however, some people simply aren't phased by the process. It isn't really all that difficult to take just enough of the edge of a post to avoid an infraction. Some people enjoy that dance...but, while a handful have a flair for it, many just become annoying. It isn't always as easy as we (or you) would like it to be to deal with those situations because a person can make 10 posts in an exchange, none of which, when viewed singly, merit an infraction; but, when viewed collectively, they are obviously abusive and antagonistic in intent. Typically, infractions are post based - so when the individual posts don't cross that line, there's little to do (at first).
Then, of course, there's the matter of responses...welcome to the internet, people want to get involved. Think about it - the agitators do hit and runs. Stir the pot, then lay low for a while - let other people get worked up and respond. That takes some of the heat off them because there are other people actively engaging...and if those people aren't conscious of the line, so much the better. The waters get muddied; it becomes difficult to say just where that line gets crossed. At that point, from a moderator's perspective, it's better/easier to simply post a warning than to get mired in the mess while trying to sort through the details and justify infractions.
FWIW, we get just as annoyed/frustrated as you do. We can share the collective thought, wishing the person was just banned already; but we still have to be able to justify that action according to the rulebook.
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