There should be an option to disable certain types of chat messages -
For example, there would be check boxes (somewhere) that say:
Enable "obtained material" messages [X]
Enable "friend/guildmate logged on/off" messages [X]
Enable "received mail" messages [X] (There would still be the orange "new message" indicator on the mail button)
I would like to have the ability to disable the entire chat/HUD, as well as having chat tabs and having the option to disable each of those tabs. Of course, the option to keep the chat box as it is now could remain for those who prefer it.