VIRUXE Similiar concepts like discouraging are also used on for example reddit, where a user may be shadowbanned, and thus not even notice that he got banned. He will still use the site as expected. The advantages of such a system are pretty big.
This is not really possible in a more classic forum software like Xenforo, or Flarum, thus the alternative being to "discourage" the user from using the site. You don't want him on the board. Telling a generally unwanted person that he is unwanted will usually not cause positive affects.
The golden rule doesn't really apply here. Sure, I wouldn't want to be discouraged this way personally, but if my actions are perceived negatively, then I guess it's fair.
