I can't say for sure that these petitions with seals and signatures addressed to the creator-king were officially written and discussed, but there were definitely complaints from many users.
But it doesn't matter anymore, as people have gotten used to this topic over the years. The "three-star" users, "who must be kicked out" (the moderator's official position, lol), didn't come from that thread; rather, some semi-active users like Hermit or Sesam posted more in it than in the main forum or elsewhere.
Holding a vote would really be the most bloodless and fairest method. And a rather obvious one, when it comes to a popular topic. Top-3 in the section, by the way.
In any case, the "it's not needed" stance and the desire to delete and destroy something instead of creating is a priori a low point. You don't have to look far; look at Revan - this young man never destroys anything, he has always been against this barbaric ignorance and for freedom, and he has created ten, a hundred times more on this forum than everyone else, bringing many people a lot of positive emotions. Compare his reputation with the reputation of any disgraced former moderator from those who messed things up. How many people feel affection for Revan, and how many for Zubr and Hacker? Well, these are all obvious things. Why do something badly when you can do it well?