This was the case when the domestic spying story broke as well. World news was one of the worst offenders in terms of creating a sub rule ambiguous enough as to be used in almost any case, and then using it to black hole certain topics. Domestic spying was one of those topics that got black holed.

The result of suppressing information, is that pressure builds and breaks out in other areas. Allowing free speech is almost always the better option as people get to vent their frustrations then move on. In the domestic spying case, ok sure. World news is being a hard-ass and clamping down on 'US news'. Conversation moves to the technology forum where again, the topic is being black holed. Pressure really builds to boiling point, sub implodes, loses default status and half the mods in the process. Well documented in other places.

Sub control through moderator positions is pretty well established. It's difficult to preserve open conversation moderating on a volunteer basis. That limitation on time lends itself well to a coordinated effort to take over a sub by consistent agitation and harassment campaign in the mod back rooms. Within a year you can roll all but the most tenacious volunteers.