If they weren't able to follow the rules previously, what makes you think they're going to be able to follow them now? Bring them back, and they'll just elevate their shit until they eventually get banned again. And it will be a lot worse now.
:2 cents:
YES! well said my good man. Well said!.
As for what Petra said a couple of posts below my first post (on page one): "What got them banned then might not get them banned now.".
Well I think that a ban should be a ban no matter what it's for. If things have changed on the forum since they got banned and what got them banned wouldn't have got them banned now. Then that's an example to all others on here who post. Be careful what you say or do because you might regret it afterwards. As lurkingdirk above stated what makes you think they will change their tune. It's all they know.
When it comes to forums and people being arrogant pricks they all fit the same formula so the length of time someone has known a person is invalid. Forum idiots can't play more than a couple of tunes so they are instantly recognizable. It doesn't do much for morale to know that those running the site are contemplating on allowing banned trolls and idiots back on the boards.
I think this idea of allowing them to act like a dick and get banned and only for them to live in hope that the rules of the forum change through time and it allows them back in is the wrong thing to do. That's like giving CPR to a dead troll. When banned it should mean banned. I don't care what the reason for being banned was. It will show that this forum will not tolerate idiocy in any shape or form. Even if rules or whatever change later on down the line.
The ban should still remain in place because the ban was made before those rule changes came into play. Not afterwards.