They're ok for chatting, but poor for organizing information, such as a course. It lacks the ability to integrate with other email systems around campus, though people will tell you it does. Many students already have email accounts before coming to UMaine. Compared to standard Internet mail, FirstClass is strange and cumbersome. It doesn't even meet windows standards for software.
Nobody likes to have their address changed so frequently.
FirstClass administrators are slow to respond to real concerns and attempt to cover up problems. They seem to lack respect for the campus community. It's not searchable. It doesn't meet Internet standards for attachments. Incoming attachments typically work, but outgoing are a gamble.