...would have been deleted not because it used an internet dialect, but because of superfluous similarities to other words in more common dialects, despite having no semantic connection to them in current parlance.
The use of "*fag" must, inevitably, reconcile the fact it contains the word "fag"; The term "*fag", despite its wide use, is not known to everyone. As far as common (American) vernacular is concerned "fag" is still a slur. "*fag" is directly derived from that slur, and not the more archaic uses (unless it could otherwise be proven), in keeping with a tradition of friendly/competitive ribbing. People have every right to be offended, even if those grievances are misplaced. I certainly don't see it as offensive, but to say it was "superfluous" is a bit of an exaggeration. It is still the word "fag" with all of its connotations, much the same way you can use the word "gay" or "jerk off" in a playful way, but you run a chance of offending people anyway.
Not to mention, kids are on the site. For all its worth, even if it is misguided, there is a semblance of trying to offer a safe/accessible environment for everyone.
Slang terms only become a problem when coupled with gross (actual) illiteracy and when they begin replicating existing terms the speakers are merely ignorant of, rather than expanding the language.
Yes, in other words, slang working as a crutch for comprehension.
The gist of my post was I don't feel "*fag" offers much in the way of expansion of the language and in fact hinders it.
My (admittedly limited- "newfag") experiences with the phrase "*fag" has seen it used to the exclusion of other, equally applicable, vocabulary and that the bonds between these slang terms and English can become very tenuous.
Also, I generally just cannot tolerate the spirit of 4chan and the sort of vision it promotes of itself, as I have seen it. Its why I come to places like Bay 12 forums. If everyone started acting like a Channer I'd go somewhere else.
Oh, also, I probably have a bias against 4chan, just in general.