[quote] I respect that view. I also know there are players who join an RP, create an elaborate set of plots, and then disappear just as their character becomes critical. It's jarring to the casual reader and to other players. I'm not sure what the best solution is, some GMs are very hands on and careful about the story flow, while others just let players do whatever. [/quote]
In this instance, the GM should have the right to gain enough control of the character to NPC them out of the way and redirect the other players to something else. My standpoint remains: existing posts [b]must [/b] be [b]not[/b] deletable, hideable, or in any way alterable by anyone but the poster oneself, except in cases when it is a direct personal attack, advert, or otherwise content that has nothing to do with the RP, and then it would be handled by mods by hiding the offending post. ((We need [b]Report[/b] buttons.))

 - Remember, deleting frequently leads to future lack of proof. Having been in the administrative side myself, I will persist to stress it. And occasionally, it *is* the mod who is the wrongdoer, and not player. Mods are human, too. Sadly, I've seen a mod harass a user based on personal opinion of said individual before. 

[quote]On the other hand, having no recourse means that a troublemaker can easily enter an RP, post something nonsensical, and then even after their removal the GM would be powerless to hide or remove their distracting post. Is this something where a mod would be needed? If so, then you have the other consequence of taking the decision out of the GM's hands (and the GM runs the RP, not the mods). If the mods are simply there to carry out the GM's wishes, then what's the point of not allowing the GM to perform that action in the first place?[/quote] The GM is in charge of the [i]story[/i], not moderation. Again, we need [b]!summon mod[/b] buttons for instances of disruptive behavior. The GM/co-GM label also gives easy visual cue as to who is in charge and who is just a fellow player expressing opinions. 

[quote]I also understand your concern. What if posts were hidden in ways that left a placemarker in the thread, allowing anyone to view the true post if they so chose, but letting casual readers and players to skip by unnecessary posts?[/quote]
Would probably be less opposed to this kind of implementation.