Right so, "If a direct connection cannot be established, the servent attempting the file download may request that the servent sharing the file “push” the file instead." The specification only says "may". You're saying that Limewire actually sends the PUSH in its present version? Is there any evidence that the IP in Servent Identifier Field ever responds by establishing a new TCP/IP connection to the port?

This is most interesting. And, although this "may" work for firewalled hosts, what about all the other invalid IP responses contained in the pongs that end up being displayed as hits? Unless I am wrong on that as well. Does my machine suppress all the other hits that are invalid for different reasons?

Thank you for humouring my in my ignorance

David