[net.news.b] rmgroup control message requires a @#$%^&* password

dmmartindale@watcgl.UUCP (Dave Martindale) (12/09/84)

Why on earth does inews ask for a password, probably known only to the
writer of the code, if you try to post a "rmgroup" control message?
Even if you are root?  Even if the group is a local-distribution one?

I can see the point in making it difficult to rmgroup net.politics, for
example, but why by a password check?  And surely this isn't needed for
groups that are of a more local scope?  Just how am I supposed to
generate a rmgroup message anyway, short of (a) changing the code
(b) patching the binary or (c) editing a fake message and passing
it to rnews (the method I used)?