Just reading this thread now for the first time and I have to say I'm quite surprised by the reaction to the penalty and the subsequent appeal.
All the drivers I've heard talking about it agreed with the penalty (except Heiki). Lewis in his initial statement said that the team had asked him to let Kimi back through again
after he had taken the place in La Source.
To me this says it all, and MacLaren appeared to have changed their story by race end, and to have jumped on the media bandwagon afterwards
This highlights the constant battle between the views of the drivers and the views of the media/viewers; the media and viewers of course want to see more overtaking, but it is not acceptable that drivers should have to loose positions in this manner just to slake the thirst of the viewing public.
This is why the drivers themselves in the majority agree with the penalty, not because they are jealous of Lewis as I read in some ridiculous tabloid. Drivers need to stick together on these matters, to prevent the sport from becoming a contrived TV show for ratings purposes.
If overtaking is difficult or rare then the problem is with the cars or circuits. Drivers should not be allowed overtake like this simply because its difficult to get past otherwise.
Hamilton is a great racer and would likely have passed Kimi before the end of the race if he bided his time a bit. Leaving aside the black and white (or grey) legal side of things, personally I think it was a bit unsporting, as were some of his chops across peeps in braking zones in the wet last week too.
He's a good enough driver to do well without such moves, and will probably deservedly win the championship anyway. But if he doesn't it certainly would be silly for him to blame the FIA or Ferrari.