If you're familiar with the content on Reddit, where the first 50% of the comments are puns and memes - not having to wade through that is actually quite refreshing. As to the harshness, I imagine people want to nip that behavior in the bud?
I agree with you on that point, but I mean for a comment that had nothing to do with either a pun or a meme it's kinda ridiculous. This site will be like straight html without any css... and I think a bit of the later helps the former create a good atmosphere.
