I have participated (and even moderated) in forums that use temporary warnings.
Typically, you'd get a first warning with no consequnces, a second warning with a short temporary ban, then a half year/year or a temporary ban.
Did it work? Not really. Like Angela said, someone might be ready for a "breakthrough", if he is, a short warning will suffice. If he isn't, nothing will change him, especially not a temporary ban, it would only make the person more angry (my experience). When I issued a ban, I had to deal with many nasty emails from the person and his/her supporters complaining about the unfairness etc. etc. and as soon as the ban was over, the trouble resumed, often worse because of the "hurt feelings".
This damaged the whole community and contributed (not the sole cause) to an unfriendly posting-environment and decline in membership.
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