I have seen that notion expressed by some of the staunchest critics of unsolicited email. I still don't see why they get so upset about it, but it's a reality. You will never get 10's of millions of people to agree on anything, much less advertising. I think that is where the whole discussion is pointed. I don't remember the gentleman's name, but I really like his postings.
Common sense rears it's lovely head.
How about a central registry to put your name ON email lists. Specific, narrowly targetd lists. If this was a feature that was openly touted as a feature of the Internet, it could generate enough names to feed one heck of a lot of virtual salesmen and their kids. And it would be a simple sell. And when they get on, they are stumped as to how to go about it.