I haven't had the problem, but the mailing-lists I've come across are more often than not ran on mailing-list systems that let me pick the emails I want to rece

I haven't had the problem, but the mailing-lists I've come across are more often than not ran on mailing-list systems that let me pick the emails I want to receive (e.g. Google Groups). I typically go for none or just replies to my own posts. If I want to see what's up I check the site. But if your filter archives, labels and marks as read the emails, you're fine because your inbox is cleared of them but you still have the ability to check the activity.