From the article -- "...after researcher Jan Hendrik Schön at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, New Jersey, was discovered to have falsified data. In Schön’s case, and in his own experience, Muller says, 'people who fake data tend not to do it just once'." I think this is the "money shot" here, but I admit I am biased :-). I got into a heated debate years ago over the "harshness" of treating students who cheated on an exam.…
The serious question that arises from your argument is, should we apply this stance to all parts of life. Should drivers loose their licence indefinitely if they drive to fast or park wrong? Should we chop of the hand of thieves (or maybe forbid them to enter any stores)?
I certainly expect more than losing my license if I run you over deliberately.
As for thieves aren’t they normally banned from that store or chain?