Here's the usage scenario I feel is implied as possible by the RFCs. BUT what it really does is open the local copy, then in the background starts to sync that copy with the server. If I'm not online, then it can't, that's ok. I write some email, etc. And it would be VERY useful.
Life is good.
But before I take ppp down again, I decide to surf over to my pop account, mostly used for personal email. If it works for anyone else let me know.