In your opinion. In my opinion it is a step towards protecting participants from wild and abusive online remarks by people who have a direct connection to the industry. NZTR have made many attempts to listen, engage and respond to stakeholders but are faced with irrational and abusive behaviour. BECAUSE many in the industry don't want to face up to the hard facts.
It doesn't undermine their efforts it protects ALL. I've had administration employees and people working at the coalface contact me directly in tears about the actions of certain individuals on the two forums I've managed. I've readily hid those comments from public view when asked. Hopefully these new rules put a line in the sand that clearly states if you cross this line there are consequences.
NZTR didn't have to test that precedent. The case should never have been taken. It turned into a farce about 90 horses and an individual "feeling insulted". @muzenza365 didn't cross the line and subsequently NO precedent was set in that respect. The precendent was that he was entitled to express an opinion. The original opinion he expressed was regarding the state of the Awapuni track and the actions of the Stipes with regard to it. The rest was a side show driven largely by Leo Molloy.
The latter did cross the line hence his losing the defamation case taken against him. That was a costly exercise for all involved and hopefully these new rules give those that can't afford to take legal action some protection.
As for your contribution to Morty's case regarding the Bill of Rights Act - that was purely an academic sideshow. No precedent was set in that regard. If someone wants to test the new rule if enforced then good luck to them. I'm sure you'll pull all your old notes out.