My one comment on this thread:
Back in the day the general rule for writing network-based programs was that your program should be strict in policing it's own output and standards-conformance, but relaxed in dealing with the potentially less-conformant output of others.
This approach results in the most robust system given the real-world constraint that it's extremely difficult (if not impossible) to ensure that every single existing client is perfectly compliant.
I think the same standards work well for discussion-list participants. Endeavor in your own posts to uphold accepted courtesy and etiquette, and endeavor to be tolerant of the occassional lack of the same in others.
