Don't feel you're being punished, you're not, I really love reading your posts!
I standard give one level when you're catching a Pokemon, which would be why your Pokemon have been gaining one level recently, you've just been catching a lot. As for battle posts, the stand is two levels, and three if it's an exceptionally good battle or amusing post, one if I think it could've been better. If the Pokemon hasn't received a new move in awhile, and it's one level away from it, I might also give one for free. (Which is what I also did for Romdinner's Snorunt this morning)
Also, very rarely, when I'm really impressed with a capturing post, usually by really creative uses the battle itself, I'll grant 2 levels for a capture post, which I do believe I've only done once so far. And then 3 or 4 levels for event or gym battles.