I dunno gnu,reasonableness and common sense normally prevails in matters like this.

While keeping PMs private seems like a good general courtesy, I suspect folks should PM as if there is a possibility of the contents being made public on the site.Life's "common sense approach" to what you tell others privately would likely extend to this site.

Additionally, If general info on a PM is discussed openly in a thread, it seems that this could be seen as an opening to others to give more details (and possibly may be done as a courtesy to others, though many may not be interested in the sordid details). Folks always have the option to put a case forward, privately, to site managers.

It seems odd to me is that this situation would concern you so much (more, so it seems, than those directly involved). From my observation (correct me if I am wrong) you have seemed (IMO) to be a proponent of an "most everything goes" approach on mudcat, outside personal insults and a few other areas, that is.

BTW, would no one PM me on this issue. :)