There is a point where you've crossed a line, and that line should become thicker if you have an audience for sure.

For example, the federal government can assess some dude with a post history on some forum looks like he'll actually take action, because there is a name to look at.

But when you have a large audience, you can't make a distinction that "oh, this is just an angry citizen throwing words around" because the viewers don't have a post history and name to associate them with, so you make an example out of the person knowing their audience will see that.

There is a point where you've crossed a line, and that line should become thicker if you have an audience for sure.