@Ryan - Forum software is a very different matter which I don't think applies here. I am talking about pre-prepared public facing content, that is, web pages and blog posts. Interactive communities that encourage discussion are something different from administering and publishing. At least the are to me.

I think front end editing encourages quick change and sloppy practices which, in essence, makes it too easy and hence discourages thought. Going into the editor, making changes, previewing, and then making the decision to publish the amendments at least provides the opportunity to review and consider changes before they happen.

Why do you think so many commenters on blogs leave a follow up comment with stuff they have forgotten? Because they type quickly, without thinking too much and miss a point of view that occurs when reading the comment afterwards. (I am not really talking about comments though, it just seemed a valid comparison.)