Minimizing out-going emails
 

I want to minimize the volume of out-going emails, to lessen server load, and the appearance of the site being a potential spammer source.

What are all the instances that vB (or a member) would generate/send an email, and where are these controlled?

Thanks in advance for the input.

Just set usergroup permissions so that they cannot send email.
AdminCP --> Usergroups --> Usergroup Manager --> Edit Permissions ->
Can Use Email to Friend set to No ( in the group Forum Viewing Permissions)
Can Email Members set to No (in the group General Permissions)
If you have the blog, Can Use Email to Friend set to no (in the group Blog General Permissions)

Should you want to disable the Birthday email, ACP --> Scheduled Tasks --> Scheduled Tasks Manager, and disable the Birthdays cron job.

What about email notifications/subscriptions?
Can email notification options for thread subscriptions be disabled... and change existing email notifications to PM.
Similarly, can email notification of new PM be disabled, and set to Via CP only.

Can different email accounts be used for different tasks... ie; signup confirmation via admin@, subscription notices via notice@, etc?