my bad on the site discussion section. I merged some threads into what was previously a "read only" forum for rules (but thought it might as well have general site discussion in there as well)... i've changed the board to normal access now!
buggered if i can find any settings for default e-mail in profile option though :/
however, these are both enabled, which may be of reassurance;
Allow users to hide their email from everyone except admins? [X]
Do not reveal contact details of members to guests [X]