I have a decent skill level and I have had the same seemingly arbitrary treatment. Once, long ago, I posted a sarcastic, joking response to a post regarding some spelling issues. It might have been in a game thread as well, with the same cryptic:
"doesn't really add anything" and then -7 or -9 in rep.
If anything, gamethreads should be exempt from such requirements. Gamethreads are a real-time jungle of emotion and quick posts in response to game action or feelings and frustration. You cannot apply the same standard there. Gamethreads are even locked right after each game is done so there is little issue with problem posts spilling over into a innapropriate discussions or arguments. They should be exempt from anything but the most severe issues being moderated.
Also, there needs to be some leeway for sarcasm/humour, and the value of a short succinct post or reply. Sometimes it's better to say little, add an emoticon, etc. than a long post that "adds something" or is simply judged on the basis of the percieved qualitative or quantitative aspects of a post. You need those things to lighten the mood, especially if the team is doing badly. I feel that this might be lacking in the consideration of the current system. In my opinion, a witty jab at somebody (if intelligent, tasteful, and hilarious) or quirky character (Where is Polly Peena these days?
) and flair do "add" to the board. This also includes calling out somebody or teasing them for claims or guarantees they made in the past, etc. In my view, spelling habits should fall under this as well.
I understand the feeling that many people seem to be expressing - that something they posted, considered by the poster to be relatively casual and innocent - is in effect sort of criminalized without prior warning or explanation. It's just not a good feeling having that stigma or being told you did something wrong and not understanding the aegis or justification behind it. If you've ever recieved a negative feedback on ebay, you know it hurts. There needs to perhaps be wider discretion on casual posts or conversations that are going on...or relatively innocent comments, etc. Focus the negative skill more on the severe problems such poor behavior but don't subtract from a post just because of a lack of percieved qualitative value or value-adding substance. What's happening might impose a chilling effect, in which the sometimes seemingly arbitrary treatment of posts leads to people choosing not to post at all because they don't know what's permissible or not or have no idea how something might be interpreted.
But whatever, it's all posts on an internet message board. Chill out people.