Should I have been penalized by Y/A! for...?

Lashing out at troll or trash question gets you in as much trouble as the OP. It's considered "insulting other users" or "rant", even if said user deserves to get flamed. Best to report these questions and move on, and if the question doesn't drop, then get someone else to report it (a contact, perhaps). If a lot of people flag him (or one person with the power to instant-drop Q&A), then the question goes poof and he gets a violation.

Besides, trolls live off of the attention you give them, so if you respond with anger, it just makes him all the more pleased with himself.

If the question regards something like sex with underage children, you could also report it as "illegal". In such cases, Yahoo! staff will look over the question themselves and decide whether or not to smack the user with the ban hammer.

Also, that Red Dwarf reference made me lol.

I've learned. Just report it and do nothing else, nor let anyone know that you reported it. I'm not a report monkey, I rarely rarely do it. But there is no reason to to do anything more, you will only be punished for your good deed. How nice to see you Dave.

Auntie Koo

I'm right behind you bro. But from what I understand, due to the number of people on Y!A, initial reports and complaints are handled not by people. It's all automated unless you appeal your reported response or question. I think at that point it's reviewed by actual people.