A users history definitely counts! Some people who get caught seem to have the same approach as others and then they find these connections with other people..
I remember talking to someone catching people that plagiarise and agreeing that it almost seems as if they get a handbook of how to make money by not putting in any effort here. As if there are courses they all follow because it was often so similar how they behave.
It's sad that you defended someone for a while, which doesn't look great for you personally, but you tried to see the good in someone, lol. I got tricked a few too many times in real life that I'm not that trusting by default :)
I've also become very suspicious of people through my experiences! I trust nobody 100% - not even myself! Well, my closest family members get my full trust, that's all.
Nevertheless, I always give people the benefit of the doubt, and forgive when possible. I know I'd want to be treated the same way.
Hear hear! The thing is when someone is forgiven and steps up to do better, you probably have a very loyal person who will always remain thankful for you giving that trust. So let's hope this is one of these cases.
It's hard to filter out the good and bad if you are rewarding so many people for using the community, I would not want to be in your shoes for that reason because it's not easy to catch them all :)