Yes, this seems like a good idea.

One question: Do you think the risk of abuse is at all significant? I.e., someone could generate lots of email to the hidden email address by repeatedly using the option. In this case, the user will get lots of email via 8052.com even though he/she has specifically hidden their email address. Do you think this is a significant risk?

At the same time, is it worthwhile? If spam spiders don't have access to the email addresses, is there any reason to hide your email address other than not wanting to receive any email whatsoever?

It seems to me that the "Don't Publish Email Address" feature should be used by those that truly do not want to have anyone able to communicate with them, and having a way to email these people seems like it would be a way to override that desire.

Or is there some reason to "not publish" one's email address that is escaping me?

Craig Steiner