Except this is not just a rookie mistake. Turning something in late because you're still getting your bearings is a mistake. He knowingly misled anyone who read his posts. Maybe if he was offered a bribe it would be more understandable, he could have just thought of it as an extra gift and not be completely familiar with the legal implications.
But he knowingly asked for a bribe in return for writing a post. His actions shows an actual personality flaw, not inexperience.
I think it's a fair trade-off, a young person is given the chance to take on an important role while being expected to show a certain level of maturity.
People make mistakes. Kids make more of them. Now with the internet, this mistake is going to live with Daniel for the next 80 years.
I'm really thankful that I lived in a time where you acted like an idiot when you were a teenager, just like all teenagers, and then folks forgot about it. But those days are long gone.
Meta note: It's very interesting to note the tone of some of the commenters here.