okay, so i just infracted the next post WITHOUT checking the 'warning' box. his profile now shows 1 point, expiring in 10 days.
so the warning button is like a cop not giving you a ticket rather than the difference between a tornado watch ( may occur ) vs a tornado warning ( sighted on the ground ).
now we just need to know how many points results in a suspension and duration of suspension.
i also note that the first post has a yellow flag in the bottom bar. when you mouse over it says he's received a warning.
the second post has a red flag in the bottom bar, and when moused over it says he's gotten an infraction.
i don't think this is going to be very useful for spambots .... but it's interesting to know for general forum purposes.