....to start sentences with "but", "and", and "because".

I'm in favor of loosening the hat band on this rule. I think it will prevent people from having to use pretentious alternatives like "moreover...." or "futhermore....".

Although, I still won't start a sentence with a conjunction in a formal letter. If we can universally agree that it's acceptable. Then maybe in our lifetime, or our children's lifetime, we can push pedantic adverbs back to England where they belong.