I want a moderator that is easy going, but can be very serious, and isn't afraid to ban some cool punk.

 

To answer your first question, I prefer a staff member who is friendly and easy-going with the rules. However, there is a point where I, as a player of ECC, believe that a moderator must enforce the rules, when things gets out of hand.
To answer your second question, I believe that moderators jobs are to help the users and allow them to have a better experience on EcoCityCraft. However, like I said in my first answer, I think that moderators should pursue disciplinary action, when and if players take the situation too far. A nice friendly message of "Hey, please remember to not swear" is a pleasant and keeps the user in a nice attitude. Rather than an immediate warn, which would put the user in a less happy attitude. But, like I said earlier, moderators must do their jobs and remind everyone to play in a nice environment. Whether that'd be warning, or a friendly message, but it is at moderator's discretion.
To answer your third question, I wouldn't necessarily agree with a moderator encouraging a moral behavior even though it is legal. However, I don believe that moderators should enforce a possibility of "bending the rules", like talking about subjects that are appropriate, but everyone knows that the subject is somehow inappropriate. Anyways, this is my reasoning, I'll use your example, maybe some builder joined the server and, for whatever reason, likes to grief. Now, a moderator encourages to not grief even though it is legal, well, the builder feels discouraged from doing what he likes doing, even if it is legal. Once again, I believe that moderators jobs are to help users, remind them the rules, and to encourage a fun, friendly environment; not to encourage people from doing what is "technically" legal.
To answer your last question, I would have to say "Not really". Although, I have tons of respect for moderators (don't get me wrong), and I really appreciate what they do for this community. I do believe they wanted to sign up to help other users, and to help the server. I don't think rewarding any moderator+ would do any good, because they wanted to do this. I believe the simple reward of a "Thank you" or "I appreciate everything you've done" is surely enough. Do not get me wrong, I like and respect every staff member. I just don't believe that giving away money would be necessary, as the mods know they are working for free, and I believe that every moderator enjoys what they do. :)

 

Someone who lets people play with their friends without constantly ruining the fun

 

Do you prefer a staff member who is friendly and easy-going with the rules, or do you prefer one who is focused only on laying down the law?

A staff member who lays down the law is the only good staff member. If they want to be easy going with the rules, they can go be a regular user. Of course, all staff should have at least a fake smile ready at hand.

Do you think a moderator should be more prone to helping or disciplining? And why?

Disciplining. If they wanted to help, again, be a regular user. If someone is being a troll, they should be warned immediately. If you're helping someone out, that's fine! But discipline comes first.

Besides merely enforcing ECC law, do you think a moderator should encourage moral behavior regardless to if its legal? (For example, recommending players not to grief in the wild even though it is legal?)

Of course, but do not misconstrue different rules. First, just say the rule in black and white, then do the encouragement part after.

Would you support me performing a 25K giveaway to one of the staff members?

I don't really think too many of the staff members need that amount of money. Most seem content as they are, and were chosen because they've been active on the server. Heck, they have to play 3-4 hours a day! They have more than enough time to earn money. Give it to someone in need, or if you notice someone being nice hand 'em 1k.

 

+1

 

I look for all of your points in a moderator. No moderator should be strictly one or the other. Being well-balanced and adjustable is really important...

And I don't have money to provide. :( I threw it all in lotto a while back.

 

Someone who doesn't kiss the ass of all the staff members in hopes to become one.