Why has Number become a ghost?

Part of his issue was that he couldn't get full clarification that PMs would never be read by Moderators. 

When I got a reply about the matter in an email, and shared it on the thread about it, it seemed to be the final straw or at least a big contribution.

Some have big privacy concerns.  

overwhelmed & underwhelmed ( O & U ) said:

Part of his issue was that he couldn't get full clarification that PMs would never be read by Moderators.

I recall iSperg asked the mods outright and they said they could access PMs.

Debbie I believe also asked and was told that the don't read PMs, which is quite different to can't.

From working on this sort of site in the past there is normally a mechanism for admins to read private messages and is required by law in case a warrant is issued for the data. Sites that implement encryption normally make a song and dance about it whereas here they just don't talk about it or get vague when asked.

One issue, that I feel is pertinent, but has not been sufficiently aired here is........what if a "moderator" chooses to leave their "moderation" role, and chooses to join the mealy of "members"?!

Just to be crystal clear, I am not accusing anyone here, I am merely raising the "what if" concept?! 

overwhelmed & underwhelmed ( O & U ) said:

Such as an inference that whatever they might have learned during their time in this moderation role would still be with them when they crossed over. 

This is true - one that Pandoras box has been opened you cannot put the curses back in it.

Once they know your info then the only way to stop them knowing it is to do away with them (not realistic) so you can only work on the basis that your info is potentially public knowledge and be prepared to deal with it should this ever occur.

Dealing with it could mean a number of things from suiing the organisation that was in charge of keeping your info safe, suing the person releasing it (if you can prove it was them) or just living with the consequences.

I find the best approach is not to put anything anywhere online that I am not comfortable with becoming public knowledge - an overabundance of caution being the guiding principle.

overwhelmed & underwhelmed ( O & U ) said:

Such as an inference that whatever they might have learned during their time in this moderation role would still be with them when they crossed over. 

This is true - one that Pandoras box has been opened you cannot put the curses back in it.

Once they know your info then the only way to stop them knowing it is to do away with them (not realistic) so you can only work on the basis that your info is potentially public knowledge and be prepared to deal with it should this ever occur.

Dealing with it could mean a number of things from suiing the organisation that was in charge of keeping your info safe, suing the person releasing it (if you can prove it was them) or just living with the consequences.

I find the best approach is not to put anything anywhere online that I am not comfortable with becoming public knowledge - an overabundance of caution being the guiding principle.