Phil's question is can you subscribe to an open list and then un-subscribe
and by doing so change your name on a closed list on the same server.
 
I don't believe so.  Subscribing to the open list and then deleting your
name from the list will update your entry in the "SIGNUP FILE", a file
listserv keeps to get names for new signup's where a name is not given,
and for messages sent to you.  It will not update the actual entry in
the other lists on the server you may be in, and the name used in your
mail is the one in the list the mail is being sent to.
 
The reason for not allowing the changing of entries in a closed list is
to protect against UN*X hackers, who seem to be able to pretend to be
anyone they want to, even YOU.  This is also the reason for list passwords.
The list password does not buy you any priveleges.  It is only valid when
used from an account which already has those priveleges and is only insurance
that you are who you say you are.
 
Harold