Could one of the reasons we don't have more users be the moderation?

I ask this because I have been observing several posts and realize that the moderation is uncompromising and excessively biased (IMO)
For example, the main moderator recently archived a thread only because she was displeased, with no regards to how the users felt (this is just one example) I understand you feel certain standards should be met but it seems as though maintaining those standards is a little harsh. This site is great but I think the moderation can be a turn off for many people. I feel in most cases it’s accurate and as stern as it should be but in others mods are a bit too serious. In addition the users here can be highly agitating.
Could this be a flaw we should look into adjusting?