I totally agree with your idea of muting people that bother you in any way. I have only been here a week and I have muted about 5 people. I have followed over 300.
I join with any person on any platform without thinking twice. I am equally quick to mute, if I do not like what I see, and I don't give a warning or discuss it, or give it another thought later. It's just another person on the internet, so I don't care enough to bring myself down.
I do not think I will ever flag. It's not my nature. I have blocked 1000's of people in my six years on the internet [you should see my fb block list] and I think I have reported maybe 5. It's just not worth my effort unless safety is involved.
I'm glad to hear your story - it makes me more firm in my resolve. I would be upset to see my strength used in that way. Thank you. Upvoted and ReSteemed; I was already following :)