The title is more than a little misleading, Tedmoosby. Reports for non-participation, even if made by a lot of players, have limited outcomes.
The first is during individual matches. If you were to be reported for non-participation to the point where it triggered the /afk system then you would receive a debuff that would require you to get into combat soon after. If you do not get into combat you will be removed from the Battleground with a debuff.
The second is that those reports may prompt an additional investigation into the level of participation that is taking place in those matches. It is important to understand that these investigations do not look at a single match, they look at multiple matches.
That is very likely, as in many cases a lone “defender” isn’t seen by everyone as actually participating because the bulk of the fighting, and the fighters, are at other locations pushing forward. If enough of the group you are with doesn’t see defending a point alone as a valid strategy, it might be a good idea to work with the current group and adopt their strategy instead of fighting to implement your own, solo.
Sorry, we simply will not provide details of our investigation to avoid people attempting to skirt the system.
That is simply a notification that the behavior your friend may be exhibiting, such as participation in public chat, is being reported by other players. It is a warning to examine that behavior and try to curb it.
The only automatic action that will result if they continue to receive reports is that they may be temporarily squelched while related reports are reviewed. That squelch can last 24 hours and can be appealed. If chat is found by a Game Master that violates our policies further action may be taken which can include a temporary silence or suspension from the game.
We cannot provide details based on warning reported, that is not the point of the system.
Again, mass reports do not lead to account closures or suspensions unless and until those reports are reviewed for inappropriate content and then action is taken. You should only “live in fear”, if you are violating those policies.
Without knowing who your friend is I cannot really look at their account, nor if I could would I really be able to provide details but it seems to me the appeal process is working exactly how it is intended to. The non-participation appeal was reviewed and upheld, no details are supposed to be provided at any point. The second, what sounds like just a warning, doesn’t need to be appealed because no negative actions have happened yet, it is just a “Hey, a bunch of people think your behavior isn’t acceptable, maybe cool it a bit” notification.