I think both methods (direct ban/warning) have pros and cons from Sts and players prospective:
- direct ban as it is, is “easy” for Sts to manage. Old players knows they better don’t brake rules, new players can get a little confused as few read Tos or knows what to avoid to get a ban.
- warning would be better from “I didn’t had a clue” bannable players, but I can see people getting advantage from this situation, with different account/devices to plat farm, that wait for the warning to stop. Hell from Sts point of view.

Imo, is not Sts on the wrong side. Is people behavior to exploit things that ruin general experience.