"Using encryption, sounds like something a criminal would do." Yes, that is what this sounds like.

iI have another idea why Reddit does not like VPN. They cannot monetize your data as easily.

I was answering the unasked question of why Reddit would care if someone removed the email address associated with their account.

Using a proxy or VPN also sounds like things a spammer would do, and this is also why Reddit would care and autoban these accounts. But the point of this thread is that, these anti-spam mechanisms always cause collateral damages (like some of us in this thread) and the experience can get really frustrating when that happens.

I deleted it after verification because I wanted to remain anon. Thirteen years ago.