Have you read the thread? Not all the posters who got it were long time posters. Some asked for it in request, some in defiant belligerent behavior, some were retreads, some were newb trolls.
There were many that got it that got it for the reasons they would have got it on any other thread. It just so happened that it was here.
The good news is that we are no longer standing on Howlin’s throat.
(that statement was so absurd I still chuckle when I see it.)
They did it to put on a show for their buddies at TOS. I guess JR was supposed to stop them. LOL