As far as I'm aware there's no precedent to suggest that an arbitrator who holds a strong view in a case is unable to enforce the actual literal decision of the arbitration committee.  In fact, it's a rather odd suggestion - if arbcom members with strong feelings were unable to enforce the literal rulings of arbcom, it'd be a bit loony.  Eric was very very clearly attempting to poke the bear.  He knew he was under a sanction, and even if he thought it was a stupid sanction, he clearly and intentionally violated it to see if ArbCom was able or willing to enforce its rulings against him.  I imagine if he agreed to abide by the sanction and apologized, it wouldn't be long before he was unblocked.