I think the key point I draw from it, in how to maintain a moderate approach, is to not divorce the responsibility for your character's actions from yourself to such an extent that you're saying 'but its what he would've done/it was the IC thing' even when it hurts the realm, island, or game atmosphere. And yeah, Atamara is a classic example.
Separate your character's thoughts from your own thoughts, but don't forget who is in control of both personalities. The division between your personality and that of your character only goes so far as it helps the game; once it begins becoming a disruption, a player has a responsibility to alter his or her character's decisions in the interest of the group. In the end, your relationships with the people you are sitting in someone's living room with are more important than your character's internal consistency.
