I like the transparency of the appeals. I like clear punishments and a 3 strikes system being clarified as well as what will lead to what. I get that removings guns/equipment is not as easy as other punishments.
It does seem like the first offence for server violations is unduly harsh. Also requiring an appeal to get out of Bastille may keep out the "RUS" that aren't on the forums, but are you sure you'd rather not just take credits than deal with a flood of appeals? Like just from an efficiency perspective? Is that the administration motivation behind the rule change?