PW is surely very new-comer enemy for sure. I understand what you lived there no rules, they don't even let you to do your own justice. As long as you know the general manners, it is fine but that will take some time I guess.
Admin's job are very hard too, it's hard to deal with a server full of asshorses. If I were you, I'd just announce in global chat that "I will set my own justice, whomever doing random will get a bolt in his head from me". Admins are supposed to check logs before making a decision, so it's his responsibility to take this into account. As I have seen such roleplays including ogres who eat horses, robin hood wannabes etc. Now this might sound a bit ridiculous, but it works.
As for the commodore axephante's comment, I can't agree more. This is the biggest flaw of the mod. However, I only enter pw servers to do rp and as long as I do my best to avoid randomers; I do enjoy it quite often. I meet people like me, doing roleplays. Taverns are good places for finding such guys most of the time. After all, when I want to enter the server only to do rp I already have no other purpose (I'd play another mod otherwise). And I have to put a bit effort in it, to create my rp. All depends on what you want. It can lead to frustration, but it can be fun too. Sometimes it just becomes an unique experience.
Edit:
Here a little story-experience I just had
Here's my character; sipidik oldurmeli
I just came to these lands. As a stranger would do, I entered into a tavern. Hoping to meet some locals, and perhaps another travelers like me.
There was a miss who were building a castle with cards. She was a very fine lassie, we had some conversation with her. She complained that people were moving very fast that the wind they created were ruining her architecture.
After a while, a monk just came to the inn and asked me to join him in a pilgrimage. As a wanderer by heart, I agreed. We traveled on foot, to a cross on top of the mountain.
Wow the view is amazing up there! I felt as if the whole realm is within the reach of my grasp. The air up there is also freshening.
After the pilgrimage we parted and I, knowing no other place, returned to the tavern. Luckily, the miss was still there.
Actually she told me that 2 bandits killed the tavernkeeper and she killed two of them alone. I was very impressed on her bravery. We had some more talk and I looked after her wounds.
After this fantastic day, I was very tired. I just go to the second floor, and had some sleep. I dreamt about the adventures I will live tomorrow.
After that server crashed. lol.