It is NOT more dependable, you just need to know how to use it.
Go to the "User CP" link towards the top left of this page. Click that and then go down to "Edit Options" on the left side of the page and click it. In the second box down you will see how your private messages are set up. You have nifty options such as receiving an e-mail notification from the site that you have a new message (nice when you don't want your e-mail address out there) and even setting it up so you get a pop-up notification on your browser when you get a new private message. Nice, eh?
Just make sure that your browser doesn't block pop-ups (if it does, no guarantee it will work) and that you have it set up properly. Also note that if you are an Enthusiast you only have
100 private messages available and that's combined - both the Inbox and Sent messages. If your PM box is full you will not receive any more messages.
Rest assured, it ain't broke - it works like a champ!
Defensive VCA Forums Guy