Okay, this may be off-topic, but I think the specific problem mentioned in the article would be much more easily solved by Queensland University of Technology p

Okay, this may be off-topic, but I think the specific problem mentioned in the article would be much more easily solved by Queensland University of Technology providing context for the gift--which is already expected email etiquette. No need for a massive overhaul to email infrastructure. ("Off-topic" because the anecdote is a pretext for discussing signing email.) I once had a similar experience in real-life. I received a check via express mail with no accompanying letter or explanation, which seemed like it had to be bogus. Mindful of cashier check scams, I took it to my bank to see if it was safe to cash, and they erred on the side of caution and said, "no." But it was $600, so I cashed it anyway. And then about a month later, remembered I had closed out a poker account for that same amount. I'm all for security, but can we start with common courtesy?