As of March 3, I haven't gotten a check. Regarding rates, assume that hourly rates are highly variable. There's no set way to calculate them. Nor are all jobs calculated by the hour. Revealing one's rates is strictly a matter of personal choice.
Price fixing is a nonissue here.
Argue with a moderator or ignore a moderator's request regarding this mailing list. If one of us asks you to stop doing something, stop doing it. If one of us asks you for subscription-related information, provide it. Persist with an off-topic discussion after you've been asked to move it off the list. As a general rule, if you're feeling tense or irritated, it's a good idea to file your reply away for an hour or more before sending it, thus giving yourself time to reconsider.