Not that, I expect a answer, but why was the threads deleted. Both seemed harmless threads and were progressing nicely. Was it the content of the threads or just another petty row?
Also I don't know if it's a new policy since Samlad left, but why are threads being deleted, unless there is defamatory or personal information in the threads, and even then just the post should be removed and not an entire thread. Unless of course the threads were started with the express intent to provoke other individuals or groups.
Deleting threads only encourages the usually instigators to do it more often as they can have their rant and say what they want in the knowledge the slate will be wiped clean and they can start fresh again. Lock the thread and people can read the controversial posts and see people for what they. Might make people think twice what they post.
There also was a policy a few years back to lock threads and possible unlock them the next day when things were less heated and perhaps less substances consumed. It seemed to work quite well also.
There is nothing more frustrating leaving the forum one evening to return the following day to find it's banished to cyber hell.
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde