You know Shal, you really are somewhat missing the point. If the membership kicks up a fuss the way they just did, how will you stop it?
It isn't just about the 'evil' EI staff. It never was. It's about your membership in general. They cry 'foul' at every turn. They've just voted to give you the sword to do the banning they all want so fervently.
I'm not the least bit afraid of what the Staff might do. But, I have watched the tone of the community in general, change, and the staff has bent to their wishes on more than one occasion. If the natives get restless about new 'trolls' or perceived enemies coming in, they will push to let you ban on 'reputation' alone or some such. They'll want you to make people disappear, so they won't be bothered in their nice, neat, little part of the Isle.
It's not the staff, it's the renegade membership.