Even if you aren't part of any signature campaign that time there is no excuse for the plagoarism you have done. A lot of newbies who aren't part of any sig campaigns are permabanned because of plagiarism why should the exempt or have another view towards you? Also if you think about it you still did plagiarism in order for you to earn money in the forum via airdrop which makes no difference in your line of reasoning. I don't know what's the extent of  theymos when he meant "case to case" but I don't think he will be accepting all the appeals he receives in the forum.