Some outside perspective from someone stumbling into this mess then investigating independently, with respect for all parties involved.

Amirl doesn't own his mistakes and it appears to me - based on his behavior this past week - he came here to poke the bear.

This post indicates where his mind was at six days ago as of this writing.

This post indicates where is mind was at shortly after "returning."

Same place. To me it appears he's using those downvotes as fuel for his ongoing smear campaign.

An unnecessary smear campaign stemming from a disagreement you're fully aware of and have been reminded of. I personally witnessed Amirl's deplorable behavior firsthand while trying to reason with him, hoping to help him out of that situation since he was struggling with it on his own, while from my perspective none of his peers were offering assistance.

I agree with you, Andrew, when you hint at the idea you'd prefer to see people move on and put things in the past.

Is he your friend? If so, then it's your duty to point at his share and where he went wrong and ask him to see it clearly, own it, and do better. If he doesn't, all he's doing is renewing the reasons why some here feel he's not welcome, making it current and not in the past, recharging animosity.

Observing him spin this situation back into something where he's playing the victim again rather than owning the mistake he made that started the chain of events (and continues to make) is maddening to an observer such as myself. Now imagine how it must feel for the people who've become direct targets of his smears and well-documented deceitful behavioral patterns.

I have a strong stomach when it comes to these situations, Andrew. I've heard and seen it all and much of me thinks he came here to agitate people. Certainly worked didn't it? I see the commotion it caused. That's not a coincidence. That's exactly what would happen if you replaced all these people with other people and put them in the same boat.

He needs to own his mistake and he needs someone he can trust to be the one guiding him there. Otherwise he'll remain stuck in that loop, following the same pattern that does not appear to be a fulfilling life experience. Correct, the downvotes won't get him there. Neither will taking his side and frowning upon the downvotes. Need to get to the root of the problem rather than focusing on the superficial elements. Someone needs to get through to him. Maybe that's you or maybe you know someone. It certainly isn't me. I already tried, long ago, so it wouldn't come to this, but he refused and doubled down.