I wouldn't say shouldn't, but I would say that a slightly higher barrier to entry serves as a good first-pass filter for technically-oriented communities.
You need something better, though.
After all, it should be noted that discussion here is via a web based interface, and yet the conversation isn't that bad.
I agree, but IRC is different and arguably antiquated technology. It doesn't require registration, operates in real-time, has no concept of reputation or community moderation. It's difficult to manage, and services that accidentally facilitate abuse make it more so.
More accurately, the protocol doesn't say anything about registration. It's dead simple to implement some form of registration outside of the IRC protocol, and then only allow registered users to connect.
In any event, this was never about Mibbit being used for abuse. It's about Freenodes own agenda.
Specifically, on a technical channel:
<me> Looks like Mibbit was blocked
<user1> so sick of mibbit luzers
<user2> nice!
<user3> mothafuckers who can't be bothered to
use an IRC client probably don't need to be on IRC
<user1> had some random moron join #scheme and then
start /msging me to ask where I was from
Why did it fail? You can just ban mibbit if you like on the channel :/
I've used Mibbit as my primary client for a year. I take offense at your blanket statements about the "type of users that use mibbit".
We didn't want to ban an entire service! Unfortunately, it wound up being the easiest way -- hence, our attempt to avoid doing so failed.
I've used Mibbit as my primary client for a year. I take offense at your blanket statements about the "type of users that use mibbit".
You are an outlier. The "type of users that use mibbit" were consistently abusive, difficult to deal with, and ultimately detrimental to our communities.
We tend to be patient with individuals (even semi-abusive ones) before resorting to crude methods such as banning.
You'll get rid of all uneducated trolls. The educated ones may be the worst kind, but that's another matter.