should the message editor allow this?

[LochnarITB]

I don't think it would be at all hard to implement in the code. If the chunk of text quoted doesn't exist, as quoted in the original, then it is an invalid quote. Keep in mind that I am talking about the direct quotes that get attributed to the author, not quotes using the regular quote tag. I agree that regular quotes need to be editable. This allows quotes from other sources as well. Because threads will often cover multiple pages, quotes from the initial message might appear pages later and misquotes can confuse issues for people picking up only the new posts at the end. As witnessed here many times, discussions can get heated (at least as heated as a forum environment can get) and an altered quote could easily incense someone quick to flame. I do agree that it isn't a big deal but it surprised me that you could do it. For me, this would be an item that should be added to the programmer's to do list but not worth calling it a major upgrade.