The free speech approach is a bit iffy, because "protecting free speech" in the American sense means to avoid being arrested just because of something you say. In a completely voluntary system like Steemit - in which you don't have to be here, but is completely by choice - it's supposed to be understood upon entering that anything goes. Steemit, Inc provided the tools, now it's up to the community (or each individual) to use them how they deem appropriate.