> I understand, and fair enough it someone could build their own local database of the messages, and search etc. But, I could do the same thing w/ HTTP Get requests as well.

By that one, that would constitute a series of call to the WS (hammering) and such approach would not last long.

>It would be more difficult, but the same function could be accomplished using web requests. I mean if it is a premier members site only then that is fine, but to have the illusion of free members who add to the community then the web services should have that functionality. IMHO.

You're seeing the Web Service as a superceeding mechanism to the online interface and it's not. The Web Service is there to provide some information only. It will never and should not be use as the prime approach to monitor the online interface.

>I writing an application, just so I can contribute more, and utilize my time better. It is totally Michel's choice whether to open it up, but if he wants to encourage more activity then why not open up the webservices.

What you're looking for is an offline reader. We had that before. We just removed it as its cost for maintenance and production was too much for its limited use by the members. The online interface is also moving too fast for having another medium to support at the same time.

>I don't want a local database, I just want to be able to see if they are new messages which are interesting and which I would be able to reply to. Because I just can't leave a browser open to UT all day.

That is part of the Agent. The Agent will work for you while you are not connected. It will put in your folder messages which contains specific words, messages from specific members, etc. This is exactly what it is there for. That also is part of PUTM.