Question to the mods: If there is an existing self-moderated topic, is it acceptable to create a duplicate topic which is not self-moderated? That would help avoid these kind of situations. I don't see why topics in the press board should be self-moderated.
I would say it probably would not be acceptable. Duplicate threads are usually deleted.
If someone is self-modding a thread then you are free to create another censor-free one. It even recommends you do that in the PM you get which is posted above.