It was a weird session. It was mostly parents against non-parents on the rule-breaking issue, as far as I could tell.

I understand that she's trying to teach children to think for themselves, but she so consistently applauds rule-breaking and sneers at rule-following that I have to wonder what she's doing.

Indeed, the two biggest rule-enforcers (Percy and Snape) are mocked constantly for it. The entire Wizarding world tends to fudge the rules when any individual thinks they can get away with it. It makes for a very corrupt and dubiously effective government, among many other things.

Usually, Harry is sheilded from the consequences of his rule-breaking; I believe that Sirius' death is first serious consequence of Harry's action.