Hide messages in the message pane in Thunderbird by conveniently left-clicking

[TB_are_go]

It would be nice to have the option to hide messages within the message pane in Table View (and Cards View) by being able to click on any empty space within the message list area (see the attached screen shot).

I often leave messages in my inbox to attend to at another time, but I do not wish to be visually distracted by having the currently selected message appear in the message pane (but nor do I necessarily want to hide the message pane).

Note that this feature request is distinct from the existing option of pressing F8 to hide the message pane itself. It is quicker to be able to left-click in the message list area to hide messages (whilst still keeping the message pane open), and also doesn't require use of the keyboard (i.e., pressing the F8 key).

[Jon]

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[donwalker]

I would welcome this feature.  Having a message always present in the Message Pane is distracting.