I just typed up a long response to ICOT, but then decided to delete it and not post.
Jo – the contact info she gave me was her junk email address and I responded from my junk email account. If I discovered she was #1 on the FBI list, I could easily just stop using that account, as it was merely created for the junk emails anyways. (Ashreinu – happy running!)
In addition, say someone decided they wanted to meet me, and I was uncertain as to their motives. We could do it shidduch style, i.e. provide me with a reference. Or we could try to find someone who knows both of us, i.e. I attend YWN shul, do you know anyone there who can vouch for your identity?.
Overall, I still would be hesitant abut allowing a free exchange of email addresses. (Am I a hypocrite?)