Yet it’s missing from the recommendation list.

I don’t think you’re going to get many people switching from mail.google.com to something in a terminal emulator straight away.

The recommendations list is described thus:

> These clients all compose plain text emails by default, with correct quoting and text wrapping settings, requiring no additional configuration to use correctly.

Thunderbird is not in the list because it requires configuration.

The recommended list includes several GUIs and web clients.

I don't really understand how people are checking their email without configuring an email client, but then I realized I don't care and once again I should just never interact with anything from sr.ht

By using the default configuration, or by using a web interface.

I have no idea what "sr.ht" is.

No username, password, IMAP/POP server?

sr.ht is the software forge this plain text email website is set up to promote.

Thunderbird is basically a web browser that executes whatever you want it to.

Given the unfathomably bloated mess the desktop issue has become it doesn't entirely belong in the list of recommended clients.

There’s no other cross platform GUI client I can think of.

Claws and Sylpheed come to mind.

* https://www.claws-mail.org/downloads.php

* https://sylpheed.sraoss.jp/en/download.html

Compare those to https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/thunderbird/all

I can't find a current download for modern macOS on either of the first two

Has the goal post been moved enough now? The author shouldn't need to explain why a 350 MiB monster like Thunderbird isn't in their list of recommended options for making the move to basic plain-text email.

It must be difficult for you to appreciate the idea of not gatekeeping email. If you’re trying to get people to use plain text email in 2025, Thunderbird is the only obvious choice for a GUI client.

It runs everywhere and can be installed by anyone.

Why do want to make it harder for people?

I'm not trying to gatekeep anything or complicate for anyone. I didn't write the list, I just agree with it for obvious reasons relating to plain-text e-mailing. I run Thunderbird. I think you ran out of talking points and had to switch to accusations.

Your suggestion was that Mac users who want a a GUI should use homebrew.

If that’s not gatekeeping I don’t know what to tell you.

Intentional or not, good omission though.