Well put.
I think ops need to worry less about public opinion and just do something when they feel something needs to be done. Otherwise moderation is just plain ineffective. Not that I should speak, since I almost never do anything, and often don't even read the main channel unless someone gets my attention. But, I throw in my support for the ops that are more attentive and actually do something useful. I trust their decisions, and I don't think they need to be so self doubting sometimes.