Thanks for starting a topic, Jeff! I'm glad you say this is not meant to be controversial, as I know this topic can definitely get that way.
My answer would be "it depends" with many factors coming in to play. My biggest factor in this is whether it's a new cacher. When I see logs from newer caches, I find it a great opportunity to reach out, welcome them to the game, maybe educate them a bit about the game, and I'll usually allow them to keep the "find".
The condition of the cache is also a factor. If they found part of the cache (I've had people find only the tethered top of a bison, but no bottom connected) then I'll let their "find" stand, especially if they provide me a photo of proof. But if I see something like "Found where it should be, but nothing there", then that's definitely a "DNF" and their log would be deleted along with a friendly message to explain why it's being deleted.
The type of hide is definitely a factor as well. A high D/T tree climber, most logs that lead me to believe they didn't sign the log would be deleted. But an easy park and grab, I'm not as strict.
In the end, my (probably unpopular) personal opinion is that this is a game, but not a competition. Everyone is going to play their own way. To me, the important thing is that people just have FUN! 😃
