Q. Who has access to authentication codes and passwords besides JR and John?
A. Other than the account holder, only 'Wizard' access levels have this information. The only two wizards there will ever be on FR are Jim and myself. Additionally, I'm giving serious thought to encrypting user passwords to completely do away with this type of concern.
Q. Do any moderators, n.e.c. have the need to read mail which is reported to be obscene or do they rely on the person reporting the abuse?
A. Moderators do not have a need to read others' Freepmail, and will never have the ability to read others' Freepmail unless such mail is voluntarily forwarded by recipient or sender. For the time being, Freepmail abuse is handled on an honor system. At a later time, I would like to have an "Abuse" button on Freepmail, which would forward the letter verbatim to a moderator. In other words, only Freepmail volunteered (by either party) will be read.
Q. If FReepmail has ever been viewed without permission is there a log of such?
A. To the best of my knowledge this has never happened. The only way to read Freepmail is to log into the account. All logins are recorded into a log file. Such logged information includes the date and time, IP address, and action. Note however, reading of mail is not logged-- the only logged actions are those that make a significant change to the database (posting a message, sending a mail, etc) or logins and logoffs.
Q. If so, what possible reason can be advanced to justify such?
A. Not applicable. See above.
There are two (or more) parties involved in Freepmail. Either party could forward the mail to a third-party, or brief a third-party on the conversation taking place. Additionally, sending of Freepmail is logged, with a timestamp, IP address, recipient, and sender (and nothing else.)
Some of the returning banees believe they can obtain a second (or third, or fourth...) account on FreeRepublic to conduct their activities via Freepmail. Well, their IP address will be logged, and they will eventually be caught. When a returning banee is found, regardless of their actions under the new account, they are banned. (Otherwise, what is the point of banning somebody?)