Personally, I believe it is the individual players prerogative to decide if they want to participate on the site. If the people on the IRC think they aren't allowed back here for whatever reason they may have come up with, that doesn't exist then that's fine. Their choice. You've made it clear they haven't bee banned, they are allowed to play on the site, they are allowed to openly participate in threads.
The site chatbox is the site chatbox. This whole movement is /pointless/ because it actually changes nothing. We have the official Chatbox where people can participate in discussions to their hearts desire, so long as they follow the rules. If they are upset That rules infringe on their Freedom of Speech, then there is the IRC. As far as I am aware, they can say whatever they want, and while people may like it, they cannot infringe on the Freedom of Speech. Keeping it separate actually adds to that ideal, because if something is endorsed by the website, then they should be subjected to the Site Rules. All six of them have a very strong lean of "Anti-Negativity" such as no faction bashing, no complaining about accepted parts of the setting ((Which I'll be the first to admit I have broken a couple times in the chatbox)) and no chasing away new players with negativity. These are what I find when searching the /site/ for the site rules, not the wiki.
Even the Sites "Code of Conduct" indicate that players do not have the total and complete freedom of speech, give Code of Conduct Articles 1.2, 1.3, and 1.5 are perfect examples of this. I will say again, should not all endorsed, and supported aspects of the website not conform to the baseline rules and regulations expected of you when you /join/ the site?
Further proof, is that the Second Term of Service within the General tab of the Site ToS very directly states:
You will not use the website in any manner that harasses another member or could interfere with any other party's use or enjoyment of the website. You will respect the privacy of others and not use the website for unwelcome, rude or abusive communications, including the creation obscene, offensive, tasteless, defamatory or hateful member names or content.
This Rule does not only adhere to the Website as a main, but any Service that is directly supported and run by StarArmy
By registering for or continuing to use this website, you agree that you are legally and socially obligated to comply with the terms of service. If you do not accept this agreement you may not access or use StarArmy.com or its services. We reserve the right to update this policy at any time without notice.
And finally, using the ToS once again, allowing such a high level of open, Free Speech, could very well infringe on this. By supporting an IRC that allows such freedom of speech, The entire staff board will be creating a section of the website that is free to Violate the ToS at will, without Repurcussions.
Leave the system how it is.