Yes Mandrill or SendGrid it can only done via API calls which is why I built a small tool I guess the bigger question is it spammy? and will anyone else use it? Trying to decide if I should make is public or maybe open source it more towards public offering with a one time fee
So I can't use Mailchimp as it cost per subscriber or contact, Mandrill is fine they just updated their pricing and removed the 12K free per month. This is why I went with SendGrid.
Can't use Facebook or LinkedIn I don't connect with everyone I email.
I think it comes down to politics, I feel its always better to have a company run and support an open source framework as long as their listen to the community and letting the community be a part of the framework.