DD> Are Network Coordinators on 'zone:net/0's meant to run a BBS or DD> message base ? Or do they just need to run a mailer that does nothing DD> but hold packets ?
It is pretty much a personal choice of the individual. I as an RC choose to to run a MO (Mail Only) system as RC. But also have a BBS running sepperately as a Fidonet node. The RC system runs just a mailer, tosser, and mail reader.
DD> Is there any restriction to using 'zone:net/1' ?
Years ago the /1 node number assignment was used primarily for echomail coordinators. These days that node number assignment is rarely used if at all.