Certainly this data gives away *some* private information, but having
that knowledge is often very useful when one discovers bizarre
layer two problems. For instance, being able to ascertain that there is no
packet loss from you to all devices on the same switch, and n% packet loss
to all devices on another switch, without having to requests that MFS
diagnose the apparent L3 problem, is very useful.
Perhaps MFS could provide one unfiltered ping-responding
device on each switch at a MAE? This would address diagnostic
needs without requiring disclosure of other filtering issues.
Besides, you can always tell who is reachable with a broadcast
ping...