Why the stars. We're all grownups here... I believe.

Are you sure? I never got any prompt asking my age.

I don't really care one way or the other, but it's nice for people at work to not have profanity on their screen and there are plenty of adults that don't appreciate that kind of language.

Why not the stars?

What is the point of the stars if we all know exactly what's under it?

It's a compromise.

Option 1: Never permit vulgar language in public settings to satisfy people who are offended.

Option 2: Always permit vulgar language in public settings to satisfy those who wish to be vulgarly expressive.

Option 3: Use euphemisms and placeholders, so everybody gets something but not everything. Crucially, it signals mutual respect.

See, also, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polite_fiction

communicating that someone is upset while at the same time expressing that they're still willing to abide by the standards of polite conversation.

Using stars like this is like cursing behind your hand or under your breath. Expressing honest contempt but in a sort of distanced way while maintaining composure, in contrast to say a full on rant.