I've read a lot of IMs and e-mails over the past few days, and I can honestly say the exclamation point is the hardest working punctuation mark, hands down!
Compare it to how infrequently you use some others. Like the carat (^). What's that for? I don't think you can justify saving that one. If I were the 6, I'd be embarrassed to share a key with it.
Seriously, we need one, if not two, new pieces of punctuation-all based on exclamation marks. I've always wanted to name the "!!!" How about the "Genuine Exuberance Mark." It tells the reader that the writer is enthusiastic but not surprised or frightened. Incidentally, it'll also retire all emoticons that aren't frowning, winking, or sticking out their tongues.
I'm calling the "!!" the "Semi-don't-hate-me." It's handy for work e-mails. It lets you humiliate co-workers, but makes it feel good-natured. Example: "I got your sales report, and it needs work. Sorry you'll have to cancel your weekend plans to get it done!!"
Who do I talk to about this? Is there a Federal Punctuation Agency? Maybe the Patent Office. Anyone with ideas, give me a shout.
But join the i'm Initiative first, so your message makes the world a better place in the process!!!