We have the dual identities signified by a modifier like "moderator nick" to wall off the situations in which a person who's a moderator has to act like an angel (or a god, but I kinda discourage that) and those in which you're just another Zoner. Only "moderator Nick" is held to a higher standard. No problem.
As a Zoner, your reply to Lindy was sharp and cutting and tart...and so almost, but not quite, a flame for OT. Nasty, tsk tsk.
I couldn't help but notice Arrell getting positively squirrelly at the thought that your reply to Lindy somehow validated all of the nastiness he's ever focused obsessively on her. No, no comparison. The fact that your comments to Lindy were exceptional rather than routine makes all the difference. Nothing's changed for Arrel because of this.
Go ahead and be human, Nick. You know we like it.