I argue that if he didn't do it -- it would be a dis-service to the community. I look at it like if it were simple assault involving you and an assailant. Since you were not really injured you decide not to press charges against them.
Let's say the assailant does this again in the future -- hurting somebody marginally. And they do press charges.
To the court this looks like a first offense and they let the assailant off gently.
Now suppose the assailant attacks again and this time causes significant injuries.
Had you originally reported your attack, then it is reasonable that the court would see a second minor attack more seriously and could bring more severe charges, deterring the assailant from subsequent assaults and improving the not only the assailant's life, but also the community (as a whole).
This is a specific instance of the more data a deciding entity has, the better chances their making the right choice.
I agree with your central theme that more data is better. That's why as I suggested, he should have handled it on his own and taken legal action against them, so that there was a clear legal record of such behavior by Miso.
Whether or not he should have taken legal action against them, the important thing is to get the data out on a wide public forum like HN. Information benefits us when it's widely distributed, not when it's only confined to a private lawsuit.
Let's say the assailant does this again in the future -- hurting somebody marginally. And they do press charges.
To the court this looks like a first offense and they let the assailant off gently.
Now suppose the assailant attacks again and this time causes significant injuries.
Had you originally reported your attack, then it is reasonable that the court would see a second minor attack more seriously and could bring more severe charges, deterring the assailant from subsequent assaults and improving the not only the assailant's life, but also the community (as a whole).
This is a specific instance of the more data a deciding entity has, the better chances their making the right choice.
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