PE>> 3. No node has any power, except the freedom to not supply mail to
PE>> another node.                  

JT> If one collects mail from several sources, how are mail loops prevented?  

Dupe loops are not preventable on ANY system.

JT> Or does the dupe checking take care of that.

All you can do is detect it.  I am under the impression the internet does
this by requiring MSGIDs.

PE>> Any node may choose to create their own "master list of
PE>> known nodes", by whatever mechanism they choose.

JT> Like the current nodelist?  If not using this "nodelist" how is mail

Yes, but if anyone attempts to use the nodelist to exert power, there is
nothing preventing you from using a different nodelist.

JT> controlled during its route?(If there is no hierarchy type system in place)
JT> Will route files be used on all sites, or does the sender control it with
JT> those bang! thingies? If so, how is mail to be handled if one of the 
JT> specified bang destinations no longer (or temporarily not) exists?

Basically I don't know, I presume the answer is "however the internet
currently does it, or how the internet did it in the past".  BFN. 
Paul.
@EOT:

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