Multiple accounts.....why????

There are a couple of questions that I just can't figure out:

1. Why did the chicken cross the road?
2. Why did Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
3. Why do users create multiple accounts?

#3, by far, has me the most puzzled since using multiple accounts results in a AUTOMATIC PERMANENT BAN. I'm bringing this up again because at least a half dozen or so people have been caught and permanently banned in the last week alone . I thought I had it narrowed down to one of the following:

1. Don't know the rule
2. Don't think they'll get caught

As far as #1, we had added the following statement in red a while back as the first thing you see when attempting to register for a new account:

I think it's pretty hard to miss when registering. Plus, since multiple account users are assumed to have been members for at least a short while before creating a new account, they've probably already heard about the rule while using the site.

So that takes us to #2, "Don't think they'll get caught". After reading the inevitable post-ban emails stating their cases for reinstatement, I've concluded that this is the most likely reason. In fact, I'd say there is probably a 99% chance that the multiple account user will deny using multiple accounts altogether, despite the overwhelming evidence before them, AFTER being caught .

Try to put yourself in our shoes. You catch someone doing something wrong, let's say, your spouse/S.O. cheating on you and you know it for a FACT (not just a suspicion). What would increase your chances more of reconciliation and trusting this person again?

1. They continue to lie to your face and deny it despite the clear evidence proving otherwise
2. They come clean, show remorse and acknowledgment of their wrongdoing, and promise to never do it again

I suppose if they were stubborn (or narcissistic) enough to continue to believe they can get away with it, they might choose #1. But the correct answer is #2. Of course, it is not a guarantee that it will work. In fact, getting caught cheating, like with multiple accounts, will normally lead to an irreversible situation. But coming clean in good faith, without a doubt, will at least increase the chances of coming to a resolution when compared to the first option. And it goes without saying that avoiding the offense in the first place, or coming clean BEFORE getting caught, would be the best options.

With that said, WHY OH WHY DO SOOOO MANY CHOOSE #1????

Now here's the part that really has me puzzled.

1. Multiple account users can avoid any problems by reporting their own multiple account activity BEFORE getting caught....no questions asked (simply PM me with this info).
2. Repeat offenders (returning with new accounts AFTER being caught for multiple accounts in the past) risk being reported to the proper authorities (which can include entities such as one's ISP, work, school, hospital, etc).

Unfortunately, a very, very small percentage of users take advantage of #1. However, those that have can attest to the "no questions asked" policy as they've been happy single-account users ever since.

Since #2 can potentially negatively impact one's career, we leave this as a very last resort, and only after the user in question has been sufficiently warned of the impending report. Although most comply, some are STILL defiant, even at this point. On a couple of occasions so far, we've reluctantly had to take such action.

Although it frustrates and pains me to see that some have stubbornly chosen that route, I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the Dean/PD/etc's office when the student/resident/etc in question is trying to explain why his/her actions shouldn't be reflective of their behavior as a representative of that school/program/etc . Put yourself in their shoes.....would you want someone like that representing your school/program/etc?

After seeing this soooo many times over the years, and even with otherwise good, long-time users, I continue to struggle to figure out WHY DO PEOPLE CREATE MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS???