How does the WoW banning process go?

[ryedbread]

Pretty much what the title states but 2 more specific questions:
1.) Does it always come in waves? Or do people get banned as they get caught.
2.) How often are appeals of botting accepted to un-ban the banned account, assuming it was not involved in RWT. (only asking since some people say they got un-banned)

Now with that said I DO understand the risks of botting, but that doesn't and shouldn't stop anyone from trying to be more informed on the scenario.
Asking here hoping to get responses from people who actually have had experiences with bans and such, not some posts online from months-years ago on other sites.

 

[Kaelhoel]

1) No, ban waves are not the norm - people get banned as they get caught. Bans happen when other players report you, or when you trigger automated detection traps created by Blizzard. Botting for too long, getting stuck in environment, posting too many auctions, playing on overseas IP or gold trading are all high risk activities.
2) If your account has no previous offenses on its record, you have a fair chance of appealing your ban to a 72h instead of permanent one. If its your account's second ban, your chances are slim to none - but, you can always try.