Moreover, it's only natural for such large powers to compete economically, kinda like the EU, USA, SCO etc. All large organizations can afford the luxuries of economic competition. Perhaps nothing ruthless and gut-wrenching, but some punitive economic measures against the O.D. at least wouldn't hurt.
And frankly, one of the reasons I instigated the "Uncover Shep" operation is that given Shep's in-game history (not his IRL relationships with anyone, including Lonestar, but given his in-game history)... it would completely unrealistic for our alter egos to just forget about it or allow someone who went ballistic on the whole world a chance at "redemption" (and how would he redeem himself? Maybe by spraying Agent Orange in Sirnoth, that is until Lonestar allows him to use heavier stuff...

People got too fuzzy about IRL relationships and forgot that this is supposed to be an imitation of real politics, where hard questions would be asked if such fiugures as Shepistanis would resurface in official positions, and especially if there is even a slight possibility of Sheppard rising. Shepistani legacy will not be just swept under the rug so easily for cootie kittens. Even without invoking SDN World I, Shep did enough in this world so that his actions nearly destroyed the second game, and he purposefully tried to post "endgame" scenarios (thankfully, his nation's power was woefully inadequate for such tasks this time). Meanwhile all the posters (and their alter ego head of states) tried very hard to hold this game together. And voila, instead of rotting in a Bunker Shep is in Sirnoth and visits Shroomie's funral..
I think the MESS did a critical error by not really looking back at Shep's actions and thinking again.
Remember when Norseman tried to return to own a new nation? We said no; and Astaria was deemed utterly destroyed. I went great lengths to ensure Shepistan is destroyed, and when someone's nation is destroyed because of his own actions, shouldn't it basically serve as a welcome reminder that the game, like real life, has retributions for acting like that?
I would not shy to say that this sentiment over Shep's sudden resurgence is not mine alone. Unlike Skimmer, he has no nation to return to, and I don't see a reason why IC or OOC he should be ever granted one.