Just need some clarification.

Notify.
When I clicked on the "Notify" button I realized the purpose of this button is probably only used if a user wants to contact the moderator about a post without having to post it publically. What if there's not a moderator assigned to that forum? What then? And why not just use the PM to do this?

Email Post.
When I clicked on the "Email Post" button, it appeared to me to be just another form of emailing anyone. Am I wrong? Why bother emailing if PMing is faster and easier?

I don't think I have a clear picture of what these buttons are for and when I should be using them. Thanks.

[Linked Image from shorthandclasses.com]