There was a news report on gmail recently. If someone tries to get into an account persistently and fails, gmail will suspend the account as a security measure. The problem is for the free accounts that it is very difficult to get it going again.

Whether this has anything to do with your case, I don't know. Obviously, you pay for Comcast, and were able to get in touch with a real person and fix things.

But what gmail (and maybe Comcast?) try to do is actually laudable. If someone is trying to attack an account guessing passwords, it is clearly in the user's overall best interest to shut that account down. It is nice to be able to start it up again, once you convince them you are you, and gmail apparently misses the mark here. You were able to get going pretty well.

My point is that there are a number of valid reasons, having nothing to do with you, and ultimately in your best interest, where a mail provider might suspend your account until you scream and prove that you are you. I agree, it would be nice if a trace were left so that your friendly rep could clue you in.

Glad you got it fixed.

Here's to no repeats.