@User:Guy Macon: Well, I have to admit that it's an unexpectedly pleasant surprise for you to take my side in this, given how much we've argued recently. Speaking of which, may I please have your permission to post messages on your talk page in future (other than unwelcome template messages, of course)?
As for your comment, you make a very good point (which I don't recall being suggested to me before) and indeed I think I'll do just that in future. There is one problem with using that strategy, though: some blocks are unfortunately issued without warning altogether.