Any inconsistency is simply the result of the fact that moderators don't read all messages and we rely on user reporting. Not all users are even aware of the reporting, but some are and report lots of messages based on their own criteria. So you have the situation of perhaps some messages getting reported and read but others that could be reported, are not. A user might report a message that they feel was offensive but we (moderators) don't find it to be offensive ENOUGH to delete. But then in other cases, the criteria for deletion IS met and maybe that's where the perception of inconsistency exists.
Over the years our moderation style has evolved to let a lot more stuff go and maybe that's a good thing, maybe not---who knows. But at the end of the day I think we have a pretty fair definition of where snarky ends and inflammatory begins.
