Facebook works best when you don't use it :) I prefer in-person discussions. If that's not possible, calling > texting > email > physical mail. every other solution is irrelevant to me.
Also, not sure if you noticed but Facebook messaging provides a "return receipt" feature by default. So you know if and when your message (email) is picked up. Try doing that with the free email accounts like gmail, hotmail etc.
I'm in the fortunate situation where people in my social circle still prefer phone and email to facebook and twitter :)
"announcements like wedding, birth etc"
I don't know about your social circles, but in mine those announcements demand in-person discussion or phone calls. Even email feel crass for announcing a birth.
"Also, not sure if you noticed but Facebook messaging provides a "return receipt" feature"
I've never used facebook messaging heh.
127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 facebook.com
127.0.0.1 connect.facebook.net
127.0.0.1 facebook.net
127.0.0.1 ads.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 ads.ak.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 static.ak.fbcdn.net
127.0.0.1 www.static.ak.fbcdn.net
127.0.0.1 login.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 www.login.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 fbcdn.net
127.0.0.1 www.fbcdn.net
127.0.0.1 fbcdn.com
127.0.0.1 www.fbcdn.com
127.0.0.1 static.ak.connect.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 www.static.ak.connect.facebook.com * facebook.com
* doubleclick.net
* google-analytics.com
* su (abuse)
* 2o7.net
* any others you want; get ideas from the MVPS hosts file
Or hell, just create a list of prefixes announced & owned by AS32934, Facebook, and block all. Just to be sure.
127.0.0.1 ads.ak.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 creative.ak.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 creative.ak.fbcdn.net #[textads]