There is a simple reason why it left it up, and I directed the staff to leave the thread open and online.
Once this guys post was spread across the web (which happened before I even figured out it was there and what was happening) it had become "news". Additionally, the news and links to the thread on MW were quickly picked up it seems by other news media, and was publicized. In fact, just here in the local Detroit area alone the news of what this guy had done and posted was discussed on both Drew and Mike's morning show (the WRIF - 101.1 FM Radio -
http://www.wrif.com) and on Deminsky and Doyle's radio show (97.1 FM -
http://www.971FM.com).
At that point, to delete the thread would have been irresponsible as a news media source. And, most likely taken by readers being directed here as wrong and we would have most likely been accused of trying to protect the mechanic and/or dealership. We would have been hammered for it too.
Some of you may not agree with all of our rules here and some of the material we keep off the forums, but when something becomes legitimate news it enters a different standard and it is then our duty as a Ford media source to protect it.