I hope they are not arbitrary. I know some are based strictly on precedence, while others (like the new domestic violence clause) appear to be well defined. I also hope they provide structured counseling during long term suspensions like the one handed down to Gordon, but at the end of the day that is not really their responsibility. Rehabilitation ultimately is the responsibility of the individual, even though there should be a moral obligation or at least a selfish financial obligation of support provided by those closest to the player, including the team that benefits from their athleticism.
So if they are willing to retroactively reduce suspension already handed down, why wouldn't they increase Ray Rice's suspension to 6 games in accordance to that change? Shouldn't be able to have it both ways...