If God wanted us to make a distinction between the early saints and ourselves, He would have said "But those guys are of a different standard than you should be" Otherwise He's creating confusion. And we know it is written 'God is not the author of confusion, but of peace'
One instance of forgiveness was Paul was talking to his friends when he said
whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant.." 2 Corinthians chapter 2:10-
You're right. it helps to have the scripture to back it up, it's all there, but well said anyway