Update Great answer brother ab which leads me to a clarification of my point 3. tcp just connects...

Yes tcp does just connect and does not transfer data but connect is through tcp echo service port so, as brother ab points out, if tcp echo service is turned off in inetd.conf we is poop out of luck.

Again, thanks brother ab for clearing some past mysteries for me as well. Your answer got a ++ vote from moi ! :)

mitd-Made in the Dark
'My favourite colour appears to be grey.'