Looks like we have to use this open relay SMTP server... But if there's an open relay SMTP proxy server... what the FQ@$&*)(&!@$&!@$()& is the point of blocking the SMTP port 25 in the first F@*$()!@*& place!
The stupid point about this is A lot of email servers out there blocks any emails that is relayed from an open relay server... so setting it to this proxy server will just mean our emails will be F(@)*#ING blocked!
Yeah, you may get incoming emails for POP3 ports are not blocked. But try sending any mail out without using the SMTP Proxy and you'd not get it through. Oh wait. maybe you're on an IP core switch that's not yet updated to block port 25 and SMTP packets.... Sheesh. reconnect and most likely it'll be in effect for you.
Sigh.... luckily switching over to another port works. Just tested Port 587 instead. Phew.. looks like my initial assumption that they also block SMTP packets is not true, thankfully.
Over here for access to mail servers, we simply use the ISP's SMTP server (like smtp.comcast.net / smtp.central.cox.net) to send emails (outbound). For the other one its the normal POP3 or IMAP (mmm IMAP).
seriously, i think it's a retarded way of reducing spam. it's not like there's less spam anyway. sheesh.