If there was ever justification of the banning, look at the aftermath. Even after Steve is gone, there is still an epic battle ensuing.
Wow... I'm sorry, but that statement epitomises what was wrong about this entire episode.
Here's what happened
here on ExPo:
A guy puts forward a rational and reasonable opinion about some topic. About 20 other guys jump up, a lot of them out of nowhere, and viciously attack him, making accusations that are totally irrelevant to the topic, or indeed anything else concerned with this entire site.
He defends himself fairly under the circumstances, but is banned, essentially on the say-so of other people, who attest that he's not to be trusted.
Some of us think that's grossly unfair treatment of anyone, and state that opinion. And this ends up being his fault too!
The best thing Steve can do is lay low, and concentrate on his business. Fade into the background and spend time with his family, and travel, etc. Take a break from the forums. Hire someone else to be the face person.
Or, go to a new forum where people are fair minded and debate is over content, not personality, and start again. Just be a normal person, whose opinion counts no more or less than anyone else's.
Oh, wait... he did that.