Yes, you need to be logged in to create posts or threads etc. You can browse most of ECF without being logged in.
Am I somehow misunderstanding you???
What ECF feature are you trying to use when you are not logged in???
Do me a favor. Click on your User name in the upper right corner of this page. When you do, you should see the following (you will see your User name)...
View attachment 979675
See where the letter symbol is, immediately to the right of the Bell symbol???
Click the letter symbol (Conversations, or mail as you call it) and that will (should) take you to your mail (conversations) page.
Does it???
Then you should see new mail from me. Please reply to that. If you are able to reply then we know your mail is working.
Thank you.