That is one lenghty apology, Craven. If I summarise correctly, you made a remark that was not appreciated, that was inapproriate? And you doubt wether or not that was intentional to "test the limits"?

I really do not know if making a smart remark is misbehaving for starters
Also don't know if "misbehaving" means you are "topping from the bottom" or testing the boundaries.
Must confess I did "misbehave" myself and I wasn't testing limits then, just being playfull. However, underestimating the consequences of my position and actions at that time and being thoughtless at that. I admit that now
And even though I really hated the "correction" (as Violett no doubt remembers...) and still think it went a bit too far...must admit it did learn me some lessons.

Still.. I am ambivilent. When no harm is intended, when in fact rules are still to be set, is punishment the only way to learn?
Also, is there no place for some play, must it allways be that serious? And if the boundaries are unclear, how about your Miss at that? Shouldn't she have set those boundaries before instead of punishing you? (Guys.. not provoking here, honest!)

In your case, Craven, I have no idea what was said, but wouldn't a simple statement that your comment wasn't appreciated have been sufficient? Even if that meant we would have missed your writings on this? Why does it have to be a punishment, and why a public one at that?

And one last question.. perhaps too personal but still: did you feel and accept immediately that you indeed deserved punishment and this punishment at that, or did you resist and/or argue first? I admit that acceptence and then performing my punishment on some occasions took a big struggle on my part.