I don't doubt it one bit. These "moderators" are paid way too much, or too little. Either scenario is equally disturbing.

Several have acted like they don't want the job since they took over... and I can not fathom how they are still allowed to continue doing it so very badly. It makes all of them AND vALVE look like idiots.

Sounds like exactly what happened to me in July. A certain resident troll (not naming them but I am sure you know who I mean) apparently have over 50 alts. They use a few in the forums and if they catch a regular with their flame baiting they would have every one of their alts report them. Because all of those reports come in at once apparently (this is purely an assumption, you would likely know if I am correct or not given your time as a mod) sends a red flag to the mod staff indicating that something needs to be done quicker than the other tickets. Unlike the volunteers who are active in the conversations, the paid staff doesn’t follow context at all and acts on impulse.

As I said I am likely wrong but my theory is based on getting a ban literally within 90 seconds of sending the reported reply, I was editing said reply and by the time I confirm the edit I am already banned.

The trolls have figured out how to get others riled up and avoid being banned themselves, then reporting posts which they KNOW these moderators will just blindly act upon.

They never bother to actually look at what is going on.

Most are just inept, there are a few that are just plain stupid.

Yes, they banned me for trying to clue others into brainless hogs posting history.

I just noticed that you were forum banned again, we sorely need those idiots removed from moderation