I don't even know if BLF has any moderators. I know only of Mr. Admin sb.
pinkpanda, I agree with your post. Thank you for bringing this up and posting about it so sensibly. The self-moderation you mention (and some of the old-timers in general) are what make this community so unique on the internet in my eyes. Reading a troll-containing thread recently, I found myself wanting to only post about the positive things I was reading, and for the other things I used the "Report" button instead of "Reply" - a button which I've rarely even thought of using here. I like Mr. Admin's policy, and I think clicking "report" instead of "reply" really is the best way to deal with trolls or otherwise hurtful people here.
I will also say that it is admirable and impressive to see some of our community being so kind in the face of vitriol aimed directly at them. I don't know if I could be able to act as a role model in such circumstances. But I also know that the kind of things we're addressing in this thread, are the kinds of toxins that can seep in around the edges of a community until nothing good can grow anymore. In my experience, the nicest people I've ever met are also often the most sensitive. They are not likely the type to fight back against a troll, but instead the type to no longer enjoy a community with trolls and to quietly back away. The community then gains trolls, and losest its most treasured members, slowly and quietly, until one day it is unrecognizable.
So I think: If you see someone is being attacked, reach out to them. In PM or in the thread, address that person in a positive way, but don't address the attacker. For the troll, click report.