Doesn't ruthless moderation just lead to rebellion? If HN had let this story go instead of censoring it the world wouldn't have ended. But now people are wond

Doesn't ruthless moderation just lead to rebellion? If HN had let this story go instead of censoring it the world wouldn't have ended. But now people are wondering (at least I am) about the mod's motives. If they're willing to remove stories they don't like do they also promote their friend's projects or squash competitors? In this case I have some sympathy because they were worried they were spreading false rumors but honestly it does sort of make me think twice about what I read here.