Infraction system, good or bad??

Do you think the infraction system is good, or just causes more trouble? (version 3.6.0 b#)

At another board I go to that has it turned it on, it's like almost daily some one makes a thread complaining about it!!!

I think it's a very good system.... as long as some staff member on a power trip doesn't abuse it.

I havent made up my mind yet. I havent really got into it. However, from what I have seen so far, it has to be implemented very carefully. For example. THe only infraction I have set up here, is for spammers. (We get more then our share) A spam infraction is an instant ban. It makes it easy for moderators to implement a ban without chasing down an admin.

I also have seen that it takes a bit of the personal touch out of things. This is where I am concerned. It makes things seem, petty. At least as Ive seen it so far.

All in all, I dont know if its good or not yet. I do know, it has no chance if not implemented and managed carefully. If its not, it may significantly hurt a forum.