It would be nice if ET, like other forums, included the actual reply in the email alerting you that someone has replied to your post. This way, if someone replies you don't have to go to the website to see that it was just a smiley face.
I've thought about that too (like TL does) but my guess is there is a reason ET does not do that. Perhaps page views, logins, etc. for advertising purposes... they can show many more page hits and such if you have to check a thread every time vs. allowing you to see it first and then decide. Just a guess.