I would say that the restriction of "@" as the starting in an email probably needs to be longer and random - think of it as having close to the value of an SA password - if you know it, you can potentially damage the server.  It might be an idea to change it periodically, too.  Or did I miss something?

Of course, you can edit the rule so it only applies from (a) nominated email address(es), which would help.

On the whole tho, as long as this fits within security policies, it seems like a good inventive way of best using your time - and provides the benefit to the company that you can help resolve the problem quicker - no commuting to the VPN!

Thanks Anthony.

Dave.