Threading problem

[Lindsay Graham]

Using Tbird 3.1.16 with Windows Vista 32-bit, and this message refers to
email messages, not newsgroup posts.

I've seen 3 (there may be more) queries about this problem since July
2011, but no explanation or solution. In many (but not all) threads,
the first (original) message appears separately from the subsequent
replies. Today, I saw a variation on this -- message 1 (the original)
was threaded with message 2 (the only reply), but when message 3 (M3)
arrived, M2 was separated from M1 and threaded with M3!

In researching this, I learnt that Tbird has 3 possible threading
criteria available in the Config Editor:

* mail.thread_without_re -- true appears to be the current default,
although I have it set to false -- as I understand it, true
threads all messages by subject (so that if different users use
the same subject heading for emails on different topics, they will
be threaded together, even if years apart);
* mail.strict_threading -- I have this set to true -- as I
understand it, true threads all messages by header reference (so
that if a user hijacks a thread by changing the subject heading
and starts an unrelated topic, the 2 different subject headings
will be threaded together); and
* mail.correct_threading -- I have this set to true -- but I can
find no explanation what this setting does and how it fits in with
the first 2.


Questions:

1. What causes the behaviour described in para 2, and is there a
solution?
2. Where can I find an adequate explanation of the 3 threading
criteria listed above?
3. Is there any link between the the para 2 problem and one or other
of the threading criteria?

Lindsay Graham
Canberra, Australia

[Lindsay Graham]

Any thoughts? Anybody?

Lindsay Graham

[goodwin]

Known to somebody, not I. I think it has to do with header variations
in replies from non- NNTP servers - forums, mailing lists, and other
web-based sources - I just live with it since it is a minor annoyance
in my life.

>> 2. Where can I find an adequate explanation of the 3 threading
>> criteria listed above?

Sounds like you've been here already but in case not:

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Stop_threading_by_subject
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Mail.thread_without_re

>> 3. Is there any link between the the para 2 problem and one or other
>> of the threading criteria?
>>

I'd say probably.
Maybe its just your wording - I've never noticed a message get moved
from one thread group to another. I /have/ noticed threads getting
fragmented but its an annoyance mainly when I kill a thread - some keep
coming back anyway. This happens mainly in troll infested groups,
however, where some posters live to evade filters.

Given the arcane nature of the issue, I let it alone - others around
here just love these little riddles. But I thought I'd just let you
know you're not alone.

cheers