I don't think you're missing anything, except that you probably had a far different childhood than that of many who have described their punishments here. I too never experienced anything like this, not even a spanking or anything physical in the way of punishment. In our household when growing up it was basically our parents being upset, oh so ever disappointed in our behavior and then acting cold or ignoring us. And sent to bed early, no TV, stuff like that. But no physical punishments.
So in the years I've been reading, these accounts astonished me as well, I had a hard time really believing them to be true. But I fear they are true, especially after learning how my wife was brought up as a child in a very physical punishment oriented household. But with her it didn't result in the creation of any fetishes as described here.
I just fear that there are still many people who believe that physical punishments, beatings, whippings, spankings, extreme humiliation (often tinted to a sexual degree unsuited for youngsters) - all of this does still go on, and just as you write that it infuriates you, I feel the same about it, especially when it is considered to be a more or less normal way to raise children.
When I first came here I thought certain posts were not real, that it was the culture at this site to sort of post fantasies as childhood 'memories' because some of the post are just too extreme and abusive. But, there are just too many of this sort to all be fake or exaggerated or fantasy. This kind of child abuse is absolutely never discussed in the mainstream world. Even more common forms of child abuse are barely discussed in society. It is easier for society to dull their ears to abuses or pretend it is fantasy or exaggerated than to actually intervene to stop or prevent child abuse.
Some posts on this site are probably fantasy, but I am certain that there is much more and much worse child abuse that is never posted about, nor disclosed or shared here or with anyone ever. Child abuse is grossly under-reported. Which is what abusers want and society tacitly goes along with it all.
I think it takes huge courage and strength as a person to post about it.
Posting about it raises awareness and is a form of support. That is one thing, among many, about this site that is different from other e or medfet sites. Someone is paying for this site and has been for years. There are no ads, no membership fees, no revenue generated that I can see. No exploitation of the members. It isn't cheap to fund a huge site like this and someone is doing it for all of us.
Aside from the titillation this site provides solid info, camaraderie, social interaction, bonding, acceptance and support and it is moderated really well and is in 3 languages. All for free by an anonymous person or persons(anonymous at least to me).
Who ever you are zity webmaster, and I have wondered, I say *THANK YOU.*
ps-sorry for the length and ranting.