Yes, users flagged it. We eventually reduced the penalty, though not enough for ...

Yes, users flagged it. We eventually reduced the penalty, though not enough for that thread to get back on the front page.

The current thread, however, ended up spending 8 hours on the front page, far more than we'd ever normally allow for this class of story.

Here are the explanations I've posted about this so far:

If anyone reads those and still has a question which isn't answered there, I'd be happy to take a crack at it.