In 5 years I dont think I have muted anyone. I have banned maybe a handfull over the years from our land for harrassing various family members. But Mute nope. Now objects that spam yeah I have muted a bunch of those 
i may have about 5 people i think muted and some of those don't even play anymore..
but there were a couple that almost had me leaving sl..it was mute or leave..the muting stopped them..it has it's place..
they didn't go making alts or anything like that which i was glad..
i would say some people just earn a mute..
