So my understanding is that we have 3 choices ? 1-Default built-in client, 2-Claws and 3-Modest, and ONLY Claws gives us html and shows pics ?

The default client for me is fine though I wish I could view html emails and have the choice to view pics/attachments.

I don't dislike Claws but it seems a bit overcomplicated with so many icons and options in such a small space (screen real estate).

Modest to me seems almost a merge of the default browser and Claws, but I don't believe it handles html nor pics.

I had it installed when OS2008 was first available but then un-installed it to try Claws and now when I tried to re-install Modest it seems to have saved my settings as when it loads it just sticks on retrieving and never stops, a continuous cycle..

So I guess it boils down to wanting an easy to use default player but have the choice of viewing html mail and pics.