From my interpretation of Slim's post, I don't think he's talking about the harshness of punishment's against player's rather more "reverse favouritism" against players by staff.
Personally I don't think that it's a prevalent issue but I'm sure there have been time's when a staff member/admin has been harsher with punishments based on past experience's as they should be with repeatably problematic players.
@The Real Slim Jim If you could give more specific example's to help me better understand, don't have to give exact name's but it's a little broad to get the "full picture".