I am amazed that someone who has been in the same situation (Dragon Utopia), and felt all the cretinism of Moshner's approach to Dragon Utopia, would repeat it against another opponent.
As was explained to me in response to a similar question, "What, should I turn the other cheek like in the Bible?!". Meaning, it doesn't even occur to people that there is a difference between the principle of "an eye for an eye" and "they shat on you - so shit on someone else, let's all live in filth". Just forget it, it's useless...
You're right, these aren't principles at all; it's simply a complete disregard for mutual respect and fair, open play...