I think you ht the nail on the head when you said "every second post is a response...". The temptation to respond is great and the cycle continues.
He is clever enough to push people's buttons without breaking the TOS in most of his posts.
I wasn't around during the years when the personal confrontations reached a boiling a point. But I do understand why some have such a difficulty with his replies.
As for "bans" and excess moderation - that is not my preferred area. I try to provide facts and organize research.