We successfully use some version of proof reporting and proofing dashboards to help users identify and review proofs.Are you willing to share some of the specific aspects of the reporting that fall short?Are you talking about Proofs or Document Approvals specifically?You posted your idea to the idea...

Have you considered utilizing workflows to more granularly control the proofs -> you would have the ability to separate internal and externals in a separate processYou would also want to take care to check the individual proof notification settings, the external people would probably want something ...

Can you explain what it is that you're proofing?  Generally in our company we are proofing artwork:  PDFs, Logos, BrochuresIn what capacity is someone proofing an email?Can you explain the functionality you are wishing to have?

We tackle this scenario with tasks and predecessor tasks.  The artist uploads the proof and marks the task complete, the next task in line "new proof uploaded, time to manage approvals" pops up to the assigned person.

In my practice I try to generally deactivate users instead of deleting them - my thought behind this is:  There is an audit trail on deactivated users, deleted users are just gone.It is probably more valuable to my company for me to deactivate these users and keep any record of their comments, task ...

Are your users taking advantage of the 'subscribing' and 'favorite' features available to them?

I would suggest possibly rethinking the proofing workflows to get additional functionality.  If someone is added to a proof workflow and they don't need to be on it - simply put - the easiest thing is to take them off or never add them in the first place.  If it so happens that this person does not ...

Could you make a shortcut to the URL on your desktop and then put that in your startup items?  This would launch the specific URL in your web browser.

I think more or less that is what the description field is intended for

If I wanted to do this I would consider using a survey site and then, using a global notification, provide a link to the survey.