[Dangelus]

Because we use our discretion and can see the the OP is trying to bypass the rules. If we did nothing then eventually it would be clear that they have banned add-ons installed and they would have wasted the time of good hearted people who were trying to help.

The 'spirit' of the rules' seems to me to be something quite different to what it was when the rules were created.
Back then they were sold as protecting kodi from legal issues.
Now it feels sometimes it's about catching people out.
When they were introduced I was 100% behind them.

'Mission creep' is a phrase that comes to mind.

Of course it is still about protecting Kodi from legal issues. You will see many occasions where mods and team members state that we don't care what people do or install, we just clarify what is acceptable to discuss and provide support for on this forum. Some of the team take a harsher stance than others and it shows in their comments but they are of course also entitled to their opinion. That being said it is rare to see "rude" comments from mods unless they have been exasperated by difficult forum members and even on these occasions a lot can be said for context. People don't always receive things the same way as others.

What some may perceive as "catching people out" is just a way accelerating and clarifying whether the issue qualifies for support or not. Like I said, if this wasn't done multiple posts and peoples' time could be wasted (and it does still happen) trying to help somebody and then it is discovered they are using piracy add-ons that have borked their system.

It's not about catching people out. Those people are not vilified in any way. They either continue contributing and benefiting from the forum or they find another community better suited to their needs. It's only the minority who, once they have had the rules clarified to them or multiple occasions, continue to break the rules that get dealt with more harshly.