@iamthemob: Let me address your concerns as I suspect they may be why many things are not flagged. First, unless it is stated in a flag, we rarely keep an eye on the whole thread. Generally, I’ll read the question and compare it to the quip if the quip does not seem as if it should be immediately removed. Then, I may scan the comments around the removed quip but I will not read through an entire thread to determine if other things should be removed. If I see a pattern, say, a side conversation or a rash of personal attacks, then I am more likely to read through the thread to remove comments. This can be somewhat difficult, though, if people are posting as I am moderating. If the thread is long, then ten more comments may be posted in the time it takes me to scan the thread for answers that should be removed.
Second, all flags get sent to all the moderators’ various e-mail accounts. I like to keep my account open if I am on fluther but often, I do not see the flags for a while because I may be in class, at work, or simply not on the computer. This is why some comments and questions may be modded within minutes of being flagged and others may be modded hours after.
At times, it is easier to flag a single quip or the whole question and say something like, “things are really getting out of hand, please look at the whole thread.” We do not look at a whole thread unless we have either been directed to do so or it is immediately apparent that we must.
Also, an important note is that mods are not allowed to moderate their own questions or questions they are heavily involved in. This presents a certain amount of accountability in that I can’t moderate someone who’s making me angry just because s/he is making me angry.
I hope that wasn’t too wordy, I just want to address everyone’s issues thoroughly. :)