Re: [ietf-smtp] parsing SMTP replies

[Michael Peddemors <[e-mail]>]

On 2021-03-18 3:58 p.m., Viktor Dukhovni wrote:
> On Thu, Mar 18, 2021 at 10:57:12AM -0700, Michael Peddemors wrote:
> 
>> Personally, think the IETF should just stay out of recommending any
>> limits, or advertisement of limits, we already have mechanisms via the
>> 4xx and 5xx to tell the remote MTA what to do, and even a reason why we
>> did it, but there is no real 'standard' that is evident out there, so
>> why are we (IETF) attempting to set standards..
> 
> IETF standards are there to define interoperable behaviour.  Barring a
> change in the SMTP protocol that deprecates multi-recipient envelopes,
> an MTA relaying a message needs to know how many recipients it can
> reasonably expect to bundle up into a single delivery.
> 
> The standard specifies that servers are expected to handle at least 100,
> and that way be likely to avoid interoperability issues, since senders
> need to be able to handle servers that support only 100 and no more.
> 
> A server that supports fewer than 100 recipients per envelope may fail
> to interoperate reliably with conformant sending MTAs.  If the sender
> is in fact a source of unwanted junk, lossy email service is feature.
> But otherwise, if low limits are applied too broadly, the receiving
> MTA may face issues receiving multi-recipient messages in a timely
> manner or at all.
> 
> So I strongly take issue with "the IETF should just stay out...".
> 
>> This should come from the industry, and right now, every MTA admin has
>> different ideas on this, depending on their usage scenario.
> 
> Industry gets to participate in the IETF process to help define
> interoperable specifications.
> 

Not trying to start a flame war, just my position on THIS particular 
issue.. As pointed out, we have interoperability already through the use 
of 4xx and 5xx, and it isn't a case where systems are currently 
advertising a limit of recipient counts, where we now need to set a 
common standard.

If you show me MTA's currently advertising limits on how much they 
accept, then it may be something that needs to be addressed.

This seems to be a case of building a cart before the horse.

I think this is a case of sender's who 'hope' that MTA's advertise this 
maybe?

Either way, it seems like the wrong time/place to put in standards for a 
need that is not yet apparent.

But I bow out of this thread then.. I made my opinion known, which I 
also is part of my right to participate in the conversation.

(But I sure would like to see an opinion from an MTA developer that they 
are looking for a standard to advertise how many recipients they 
accept.. I don't think it is on anyone's radar .. oh, we should start 
advertising this.. )

And most sysadmin's still try to hide what MTA they are even running ;)

I now go back to my corner..


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