Fully agree with Nige, as simple as possible, would surely help everyone,, BUT I can also see Si point !
If a thread is deleted my a Mod, rather that being wisked away into the recycle bin,, ( Like the orrp bit Si ) I think it should be locked, with the offending post/posts, edited, and the reason why, by the modifying Moderator !! This then could be appealed by the posting member to the full Admin/Moderator group
I have no problem with the OT threads,, to me,brings us all a bit closer together,and makes for a more friendly forum, so long as these are marked OT please, maybe a new section,, as most forum have them !!