No, I think the mod understood; that is why he cut you the slack, even after you insulted him.
If you wanted it in the sidebar so that your friend could find it, there are a number of options which are less heavily patroled. News/Activism Free Republic likely would have lasted much longer. Vanities in Breaking News will usually get pulled rather than moved.
You are, of course, correct.
No matter how good my intentions were, rules are rules.
"fool!"
"YOU blew it!"
Admin Moderator: I hereby take those two crows and swallow them whole.
I apologize.
Please make sure whoever was on duty that night sees this.