It would be nice if that was always the case. However people block others for all kinds of reasons, not always that it is your behaviour, sometimes it is their own problems. I have been blocked in the past for not agreeing. I have seen people encourage others to block the people they have blocked publicly in threads and it was the same reason..not agreeing. Not agreeing does not equal not being supportive or a reason to remove equality. People really do not only use the block feature to avoid bullying and yes the blocker can also be using the feature to bully.

We are responsible for our own feelings, triggers and reactions. I think the blocking feature was good the way it was. I think it taught people to be responsible for themselves and also taught a healthier way to deal with triggers. Triggers to me are begging us for our attention. Shoving them under the rug sets us up to trip over them again and again untill we learn how to deal with them.
In the case of stalking or harrasing type behavior there was always the ability to contact a mod. Taking away others rights for someone elses comfort whether they feel it is deserved or just in my opinion is a step backward for all parties involved and moderators can help take action in that area. It does not teach nor allow for good communication or personal responsibility and growth. Mods can interviene when needed and help the flow, otherwise it seems we are all just self moderating others.

How many times are people misunderstood here? Instead of taking the time to learn and understand others now we can simply have a trigger finger reaction and not ever have to learn to communticate, be assertive or deal with people who differ from us or to look inward and work on some of our own stuff as well. I have not had to block any members in the three years I have been here. Not that there has never been issues but I have been able to better learn how to communicate and face issues and work through them. That is one thing I have really gained and value from being here.

The option to get help from a mod in the case of harrassment seems more appropriate and healthy than this new feature, seems to me. A neutral party to be objective is not a bad thing. As far as I know putting up with harassment and bullying was never a feature here, there was the ability to report and seek assistance when needed.

As far as our personal pages, could easily be friends list access only, some forums are set up that way. Which would solve that issue without singleing out one person. I am not sure if that is doable here.