Bans. They're dumb. I'm just saying that straight up. They don't work as a punitive measure, and they generally are used as an escalation rather than a de-escalation. That loses players. I am almost never in favor of bans. I agree with unbanning most of those who may currently be banned without question. There are some exceptions:
1) I cannot verify or confirm allegations, I simply can't investigate such things. But recent behaviors on one bad apple's part, if those are true, are absolutely cause for a longer-term or permanent ban. This is one of the few things that results in a permanent ban in any of my communities. Stalking/Consistent Harassment after clear communication of a desire to stop are unacceptable.
2) 'Constant Piss in the Game Pool' - If someone is repeatedly approached for griefing or abusive play in game and cannot modify behavior to either correct it or try to avoid the situation they don't see, middle-length bans are acceptable. This is less about correction, and more about creating reprieve from that behavior in the game.
For the most part, game bans are game bans. Revoking post privileges in discord or the GDB is highly preferable for out of game scenarios. They should generally be short-term. A cool off period. Only extend them longer if they return from cool-off periods firing right into it again. This latter part may be difficult; I don't particularly like this player-moderation idea, and the posting of rules confirmed part of why.
I do not see reason to do a blanket-unban for those who migrated away and immediately began spreading as much hate for the game as they could. I do not see this as a position to take power over them. I do not see asking them to reach out and say they'd like to come back as asking for forgiveness or permission to come back. I see it as a moment where both parties have to meet in the middle, rather than demand either side come all the way over to their side. This is the beginning of good faith interaction, and it's a tiny beginning. I do not see any reason why someone who goes and spreads their hatred from the game should be allowed to come back stealthily.
I'll say it again, bans are dumb. They create more problems than they fix. They lose us players. They avoid discussions. That being said, as players, when a discussion gets cut off because it's beating on a dead horse, that needs to be respected. Don't open the same request over and over every time it gets closed. That is clear signaling that until something new comes to light, that discussion is over. I will always be in favor of getting players back, with very few exceptions.
Not my game though. That's just me being honest, I've said this since 2009 or something ridiculous because I'm old.