//echo -a $iif(test = !$isalnum,a,b)
But I think you are right, if($2 = !$isalnum) was incorrect.
This code works fine, ping and setaccess may need to be properly tested and may need minor adjustments but overall the codes functionality is absolute. I do see where you are coming from I take all valid suggestions/tips, if I don't see how its an efficient way of doing something I ask and if there is no real reason to change what i have then why bother?
The reason you are finding older coding techniques is because I have been coding in MsL for around 8 years and I have only recently started messing around in mIRC 7.*