if they do conceed the point and change their mind, then they're sending out the message that the heavy-handed tactics of boob_nazis work, which will encourage other people to direct vitriol and hate and spam at them until they capitulate again. Which is never a good idea.

Or, possibly, it will send the message that livejournal and sixapart actually listen to their customers' concerns, rather than saying that the more you complain, the less you will be listened to; and might also involve them setting up a more professional and possibly even transparent grievance procedure?