More info needed here I think. Just posting "+1" as a reply should not warrant a banning and we need a full explanation. To me, someone posting a +1 to anything I wrote would indicate = yes, me too ; or add my name to that as well as I fully agree with you.
I'm against people being banned from forums but I'm unaware of the history. Instead of banning, I'd rather just edit posts if this is really necessary. I did agree that the particular thread did get a bit silly but a ban seems a bit harsh. I don't know Paul personally but he's made some decents comments in the past !