Fact: it was enabled by default in multiple versions of mIRC.
Statements: Not all users upgrade their mIRC the moment a new version comes out. Not all people throw out all their current settings each time they upgrade mIRC. I have no exact numbers about this, but I for one don't want my settings and scripts gone when I upgrade.
So, basically, even if Khaled invests time to release a new version with this !nick msg thing disabled by default, some people will not be influenced by this change and your problem still exists. However, changing !nick to ?nick filename requires only a small change in the server scripts and command listings. And it has the intended effect, even for those who don't upgrade mIRC, don't overwrite their settings, or don't use mIRC at all.
