I frequent the Unexplained Mysteries forum, and a few others I occassionally go to, and each one is moderated in a different level of checks and balances. I do take interest in forum politics (cautiously), but when a moderator asks me to do something, I adhere to what they request or suggest. I don't think the forum is overmodded, IMO it's managed in the right pace.
I believe forums should allow members to ask questions to the site staff when an issue arises. I used to run my own based on a cartoon series "Totally Spies" 5 years ago and usually the banned are spambots, and had been fair with members in rule violations. I witnessed a fair share of "e-drama" on them, yet I hadn't seen anything on AAroads of a dramatic immature fashion.