If you are in a conversation with with another and say something you regret, you can't take it back. IMO this board should be the same way. Here an individual has a chance to preview and rethink his/her words before the words are even posted, hence, no need for message deletion. I am as impulsive as anyone and I've never resorted to message deletion. Even stranger, it seems to be used by the same members repeatedly (or it seems that way). Again, IMO do away with it. It is nothing more than a safety net to be careless.