diff --git a/irc/chanserv.go b/irc/chanserv.go
index bdf779c0..9cd5ad42 100644
--- a/irc/chanserv.go
+++ b/irc/chanserv.go
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@ import (
 	"github.com/goshuirc/irc-go/ircfmt"
 	"github.com/oragono/oragono/irc/modes"
 	"github.com/oragono/oragono/irc/sno"
-	"github.com/oragono/oragono/irc/utils"
 )
 
 const chanservHelp = `ChanServ lets you register and manage channels.
@@ -26,8 +25,8 @@ To see in-depth help for a specific ChanServ command, try:
 Here are the commands you can use:
 %s`
 
-func chanregEnabled(server *Server) bool {
-	return server.ChannelRegistrationEnabled()
+func chanregEnabled(config *Config) bool {
+	return config.Channels.Registration.Enabled
 }
 
 var (
@@ -41,6 +40,7 @@ this command if you're the founder of the channel.`,
 			helpShort:    `$bOP$b makes the given user (or yourself) a channel admin.`,
 			authRequired: true,
 			enabled:      chanregEnabled,
+			minParams:    1,
 		},
 		"register": {
 			handler: csRegisterHandler,
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ remembered.`,
 			helpShort:    `$bREGISTER$b lets you own a given channel.`,
 			authRequired: true,
 			enabled:      chanregEnabled,
+			minParams:    1,
 		},
 		"unregister": {
 			handler: csUnregisterHandler,
@@ -62,6 +63,7 @@ To prevent accidental unregistrations, a verification code is required;
 invoking the command without a code will display the necessary code.`,
 			helpShort: `$bUNREGISTER$b deletes a channel registration.`,
 			enabled:   chanregEnabled,
+			minParams: 1,
 		},
 		"drop": {
 			aliasOf: "unregister",
@@ -77,6 +79,7 @@ accounts and modes, use $bAMODE #channel$b. Note that users are always
 referenced by their registered account names, not their nicknames.`,
 			helpShort: `$bAMODE$b modifies persistent mode settings for channel members.`,
 			enabled:   chanregEnabled,
+			minParams: 1,
 		},
 	}
 )
@@ -86,8 +89,9 @@ func csNotice(rb *ResponseBuffer, text string) {
 	rb.Add(nil, "ChanServ", "NOTICE", rb.target.Nick(), text)
 }
 
-func csAmodeHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	channelName, modeChange := utils.ExtractParam(params)
+func csAmodeHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	channelName := params[0]
+	modeChange := strings.Join(params[1:], " ")
 
 	channel := server.channels.Get(channelName)
 	if channel == nil {
@@ -159,27 +163,13 @@ func csAmodeHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *
 	}
 }
 
-func csOpHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	channelName, clientToOp := utils.ExtractParam(params)
-
-	if channelName == "" {
-		csNotice(rb, ircfmt.Unescape(client.t("Syntax: $bOP #channel [nickname]$b")))
-		return
-	}
-
-	clientToOp = strings.TrimSpace(clientToOp)
-
-	channelKey, err := CasefoldChannel(channelName)
-	if err != nil {
-		csNotice(rb, client.t("Channel name is not valid"))
-		return
-	}
-
-	channelInfo := server.channels.Get(channelKey)
+func csOpHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	channelInfo := server.channels.Get(params[0])
 	if channelInfo == nil {
 		csNotice(rb, client.t("Channel does not exist"))
 		return
 	}
+	channelName := channelInfo.Name()
 
 	clientAccount := client.Account()
 	if clientAccount == "" || clientAccount != channelInfo.Founder() {
@@ -188,10 +178,9 @@ func csOpHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *Res
 	}
 
 	var target *Client
-	if clientToOp != "" {
-		casefoldedNickname, err := CasefoldName(clientToOp)
-		target = server.clients.Get(casefoldedNickname)
-		if err != nil || target == nil {
+	if len(params) > 1 {
+		target = server.clients.Get(params[1])
+		if target == nil {
 			csNotice(rb, client.t("Could not find given client"))
 			return
 		}
@@ -216,16 +205,13 @@ func csOpHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *Res
 
 	csNotice(rb, fmt.Sprintf(client.t("Successfully op'd in channel %s"), channelName))
 
-	server.logger.Info("chanserv", fmt.Sprintf("Client %s op'd [%s] in channel %s", client.nick, clientToOp, channelName))
-	server.snomasks.Send(sno.LocalChannels, fmt.Sprintf(ircfmt.Unescape("Client $c[grey][$r%s$c[grey]] CS OP'd $c[grey][$r%s$c[grey]] in channel $c[grey][$r%s$c[grey]]"), client.nickMaskString, clientToOp, channelName))
+	tnick := target.Nick()
+	server.logger.Info("services", fmt.Sprintf("Client %s op'd [%s] in channel %s", client.Nick(), tnick, channelName))
+	server.snomasks.Send(sno.LocalChannels, fmt.Sprintf(ircfmt.Unescape("Client $c[grey][$r%s$c[grey]] CS OP'd $c[grey][$r%s$c[grey]] in channel $c[grey][$r%s$c[grey]]"), client.NickMaskString(), tnick, channelName))
 }
 
-func csRegisterHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	channelName := strings.TrimSpace(params)
-	if channelName == "" {
-		csNotice(rb, ircfmt.Unescape(client.t("Syntax: $bREGISTER #channel$b")))
-		return
-	}
+func csRegisterHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	channelName := params[0]
 
 	channelKey, err := CasefoldChannel(channelName)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -251,7 +237,7 @@ func csRegisterHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, r
 
 	csNotice(rb, fmt.Sprintf(client.t("Channel %s successfully registered"), channelName))
 
-	server.logger.Info("chanserv", fmt.Sprintf("Client %s registered channel %s", client.nick, channelName))
+	server.logger.Info("services", fmt.Sprintf("Client %s registered channel %s", client.nick, channelName))
 	server.snomasks.Send(sno.LocalChannels, fmt.Sprintf(ircfmt.Unescape("Channel registered $c[grey][$r%s$c[grey]] by $c[grey][$r%s$c[grey]]"), channelName, client.nickMaskString))
 
 	// give them founder privs
@@ -266,8 +252,13 @@ func csRegisterHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, r
 	}
 }
 
-func csUnregisterHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	channelName, verificationCode := utils.ExtractParam(params)
+func csUnregisterHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	channelName := params[0]
+	var verificationCode string
+	if len(params) > 1 {
+		verificationCode = params[1]
+	}
+
 	channelKey, err := CasefoldChannel(channelName)
 	if channelKey == "" || err != nil {
 		csNotice(rb, client.t("Channel name is not valid"))
diff --git a/irc/hostserv.go b/irc/hostserv.go
index 73faa55f..3706669a 100644
--- a/irc/hostserv.go
+++ b/irc/hostserv.go
@@ -9,8 +9,6 @@ import (
 	"regexp"
 	"strings"
 	"time"
-
-	"github.com/oragono/oragono/irc/utils"
 )
 
 const hostservHelp = `HostServ lets you manage your vhost (i.e., the string displayed
@@ -29,13 +27,12 @@ var (
 	defaultValidVhostRegex = regexp.MustCompile(`^[0-9A-Za-z.\-_/]+$`)
 )
 
-func hostservEnabled(server *Server) bool {
-	return server.AccountConfig().VHosts.Enabled
+func hostservEnabled(config *Config) bool {
+	return config.Accounts.VHosts.Enabled
 }
 
-func hostservRequestsEnabled(server *Server) bool {
-	ac := server.AccountConfig()
-	return ac.VHosts.Enabled && ac.VHosts.UserRequests.Enabled
+func hostservRequestsEnabled(config *Config) bool {
+	return config.Accounts.VHosts.Enabled && config.Accounts.VHosts.UserRequests.Enabled
 }
 
 var (
@@ -67,16 +64,16 @@ then be approved by a server operator.`,
 			helpShort:    `$bREQUEST$b requests a new vhost, pending operator approval.`,
 			authRequired: true,
 			enabled:      hostservRequestsEnabled,
+			minParams:    1,
 		},
 		"status": {
 			handler: hsStatusHandler,
-			help: `Syntax: $bSTATUS$b
+			help: `Syntax: $bSTATUS [user]$b
 
 STATUS displays your current vhost, if any, and the status of your most recent
-request for a new one.`,
-			helpShort:    `$bSTATUS$b shows your vhost and request status.`,
-			authRequired: true,
-			enabled:      hostservEnabled,
+request for a new one. A server operator can view someone else's status.`,
+			helpShort: `$bSTATUS$b shows your vhost and request status.`,
+			enabled:   hostservEnabled,
 		},
 		"set": {
 			handler: hsSetHandler,
@@ -86,6 +83,7 @@ SET sets a user's vhost, bypassing the request system.`,
 			helpShort: `$bSET$b sets a user's vhost.`,
 			capabs:    []string{"vhosts"},
 			enabled:   hostservEnabled,
+			minParams: 2,
 		},
 		"del": {
 			handler: hsSetHandler,
@@ -95,6 +93,7 @@ DEL deletes a user's vhost.`,
 			helpShort: `$bDEL$b deletes a user's vhost.`,
 			capabs:    []string{"vhosts"},
 			enabled:   hostservEnabled,
+			minParams: 1,
 		},
 		"waiting": {
 			handler: hsWaitingHandler,
@@ -114,6 +113,7 @@ APPROVE approves a user's vhost request.`,
 			helpShort: `$bAPPROVE$b approves a user's vhost request.`,
 			capabs:    []string{"vhosts"},
 			enabled:   hostservEnabled,
+			minParams: 1,
 		},
 		"reject": {
 			handler: hsRejectHandler,
@@ -124,6 +124,7 @@ for the rejection.`,
 			helpShort: `$bREJECT$b rejects a user's vhost request.`,
 			capabs:    []string{"vhosts"},
 			enabled:   hostservEnabled,
+			minParams: 1,
 		},
 	}
 )
@@ -146,7 +147,7 @@ func hsNotifyChannel(server *Server, message string) {
 	}
 }
 
-func hsOnOffHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+func hsOnOffHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
 	enable := false
 	if command == "on" {
 		enable = true
@@ -162,8 +163,8 @@ func hsOnOffHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *
 	}
 }
 
-func hsRequestHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	vhost, _ := utils.ExtractParam(params)
+func hsRequestHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	vhost := params[0]
 	if validateVhost(server, vhost, false) != nil {
 		hsNotice(rb, client.t("Invalid vhost"))
 		return
@@ -195,12 +196,24 @@ func hsRequestHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb
 	}
 }
 
-func hsStatusHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	accountName := client.Account()
+func hsStatusHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	var accountName string
+	if len(params) > 0 {
+		if !client.HasRoleCapabs("vhosts") {
+			hsNotice(rb, client.t("Command restricted"))
+			return
+		}
+		accountName = params[0]
+	} else {
+		accountName = client.Account()
+	}
+
 	account, err := server.accounts.LoadAccount(accountName)
 	if err != nil {
-		server.logger.Warning("internal", "error loading account info", accountName, err.Error())
-		hsNotice(rb, client.t("An error occurred"))
+		if err != errAccountDoesNotExist {
+			server.logger.Warning("internal", "error loading account info", accountName, err.Error())
+		}
+		hsNotice(rb, client.t("No such account"))
 		return
 	}
 
@@ -232,23 +245,18 @@ func validateVhost(server *Server, vhost string, oper bool) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func hsSetHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	var user, vhost string
-	user, params = utils.ExtractParam(params)
-	if user == "" {
-		hsNotice(rb, client.t("A user is required"))
-		return
-	}
+func hsSetHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	user := params[0]
+	var vhost string
+
 	if command == "set" {
-		vhost, _ = utils.ExtractParam(params)
+		vhost = params[1]
 		if validateVhost(server, vhost, true) != nil {
 			hsNotice(rb, client.t("Invalid vhost"))
 			return
 		}
-	} else if command != "del" {
-		server.logger.Warning("internal", "invalid hostserv set command", command)
-		return
 	}
+	// else: command == "del", vhost == ""
 
 	_, err := server.accounts.VHostSet(user, vhost)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -260,7 +268,7 @@ func hsSetHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *Re
 	}
 }
 
-func hsWaitingHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+func hsWaitingHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
 	requests, total := server.accounts.VHostListRequests(10)
 	hsNotice(rb, fmt.Sprintf(client.t("There are %d pending requests for vhosts (%d displayed)"), total, len(requests)))
 	for i, request := range requests {
@@ -268,12 +276,8 @@ func hsWaitingHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb
 	}
 }
 
-func hsApproveHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	user, _ := utils.ExtractParam(params)
-	if user == "" {
-		hsNotice(rb, client.t("A user is required"))
-		return
-	}
+func hsApproveHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	user := params[0]
 
 	vhostInfo, err := server.accounts.VHostApprove(user)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -288,13 +292,12 @@ func hsApproveHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb
 	}
 }
 
-func hsRejectHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	user, params := utils.ExtractParam(params)
-	if user == "" {
-		hsNotice(rb, client.t("A user is required"))
-		return
+func hsRejectHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	var reason string
+	user := params[0]
+	if len(params) > 1 {
+		reason = strings.Join(params[1:], " ")
 	}
-	reason := strings.TrimSpace(params)
 
 	vhostInfo, err := server.accounts.VHostReject(user, reason)
 	if err != nil {
diff --git a/irc/nickserv.go b/irc/nickserv.go
index 936f0819..8acb1083 100644
--- a/irc/nickserv.go
+++ b/irc/nickserv.go
@@ -8,25 +8,22 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 
 	"github.com/goshuirc/irc-go/ircfmt"
-	"github.com/oragono/oragono/irc/utils"
 )
 
 // "enabled" callbacks for specific nickserv commands
-func servCmdRequiresAccreg(server *Server) bool {
-	return server.AccountConfig().Registration.Enabled
+func servCmdRequiresAccreg(config *Config) bool {
+	return config.Accounts.Registration.Enabled
 }
 
-func servCmdRequiresAuthEnabled(server *Server) bool {
-	return server.AccountConfig().AuthenticationEnabled
+func servCmdRequiresAuthEnabled(config *Config) bool {
+	return config.Accounts.AuthenticationEnabled
 }
 
-func nsGroupEnabled(server *Server) bool {
-	conf := server.Config()
-	return conf.Accounts.AuthenticationEnabled && conf.Accounts.NickReservation.Enabled
+func nsGroupEnabled(config *Config) bool {
+	return config.Accounts.AuthenticationEnabled && config.Accounts.NickReservation.Enabled
 }
 
-func nsEnforceEnabled(server *Server) bool {
-	config := server.Config()
+func nsEnforceEnabled(config *Config) bool {
 	return config.Accounts.NickReservation.Enabled && config.Accounts.NickReservation.AllowCustomEnforcement
 }
 
@@ -73,6 +70,7 @@ GHOST disconnects the given user from the network if they're logged in with the
 same user account, letting you reclaim your nickname.`,
 			helpShort:    `$bGHOST$b reclaims your nickname.`,
 			authRequired: true,
+			minParams:    1,
 		},
 		"group": {
 			handler: nsGroupHandler,
@@ -84,7 +82,6 @@ users from changing to it (or forcing them to rename).`,
 			enabled:      nsGroupEnabled,
 			authRequired: true,
 		},
-
 		"identify": {
 			handler: nsIdentifyHandler,
 			help: `Syntax: $bIDENTIFY <username> [password]$b
@@ -92,6 +89,7 @@ users from changing to it (or forcing them to rename).`,
 IDENTIFY lets you login to the given username using either password auth, or
 certfp (your client certificate) if a password is not given.`,
 			helpShort: `$bIDENTIFY$b lets you login to your account.`,
+			minParams: 1,
 		},
 		"info": {
 			handler: nsInfoHandler,
@@ -113,6 +111,7 @@ If the password is left out, your account will be registered to your TLS client
 certificate (and you will need to use that certificate to login in future).`,
 			helpShort: `$bREGISTER$b lets you register a user account.`,
 			enabled:   servCmdRequiresAccreg,
+			minParams: 2,
 		},
 		"sadrop": {
 			handler: nsDropHandler,
@@ -122,6 +121,7 @@ SADROP forcibly de-links the given nickname from the attached user account.`,
 			helpShort: `$bSADROP$b forcibly de-links the given nickname from its user account.`,
 			capabs:    []string{"accreg"},
 			enabled:   servCmdRequiresAccreg,
+			minParams: 1,
 		},
 		"unregister": {
 			handler: nsUnregisterHandler,
@@ -132,6 +132,8 @@ IRC operator with the correct permissions). To prevent accidental
 unregistrations, a verification code is required; invoking the command without
 a code will display the necessary code.`,
 			helpShort: `$bUNREGISTER$b lets you delete your user account.`,
+			enabled:   servCmdRequiresAccreg,
+			minParams: 1,
 		},
 		"verify": {
 			handler: nsVerifyHandler,
@@ -141,6 +143,7 @@ VERIFY lets you complete an account registration, if the server requires email
 or other verification.`,
 			helpShort: `$bVERIFY$b lets you complete account registration.`,
 			enabled:   servCmdRequiresAccreg,
+			minParams: 2,
 		},
 		"passwd": {
 			handler: nsPasswdHandler,
@@ -153,6 +156,7 @@ with the correct permissions, you can use PASSWD to reset someone else's
 password by supplying their username and then the desired password.`,
 			helpShort: `$bPASSWD$b lets you change your password.`,
 			enabled:   servCmdRequiresAuthEnabled,
+			minParams: 2,
 		},
 	}
 )
@@ -162,9 +166,14 @@ func nsNotice(rb *ResponseBuffer, text string) {
 	rb.Add(nil, "NickServ", "NOTICE", rb.target.Nick(), text)
 }
 
-func nsDropHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+func nsDropHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
 	sadrop := command == "sadrop"
-	nick, _ := utils.ExtractParam(params)
+	var nick string
+	if len(params) > 0 {
+		nick = params[0]
+	} else {
+		nick = client.NickCasefolded()
+	}
 
 	err := server.accounts.SetNickReserved(client, nick, sadrop, false)
 	if err == nil {
@@ -173,15 +182,13 @@ func nsDropHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *R
 		nsNotice(rb, client.t("You're not logged into an account"))
 	} else if err == errAccountCantDropPrimaryNick {
 		nsNotice(rb, client.t("You can't ungroup your primary nickname (try unregistering your account instead)"))
-	} else if err == errNicknameReserved {
-		nsNotice(rb, client.t("That nickname is already reserved by someone else"))
 	} else {
 		nsNotice(rb, client.t("Could not ungroup nick"))
 	}
 }
 
-func nsGhostHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	nick, _ := utils.ExtractParam(params)
+func nsGhostHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	nick := params[0]
 
 	ghost := server.clients.Get(nick)
 	if ghost == nil {
@@ -207,7 +214,7 @@ func nsGhostHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *
 	ghost.destroy(false)
 }
 
-func nsGroupHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+func nsGroupHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
 	nick := client.NickCasefolded()
 	err := server.accounts.SetNickReserved(client, nick, false, true)
 	if err == nil {
@@ -230,13 +237,17 @@ func nsLoginThrottleCheck(client *Client, rb *ResponseBuffer) (success bool) {
 	return true
 }
 
-func nsIdentifyHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+func nsIdentifyHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
 	loginSuccessful := false
 
-	username, passphrase := utils.ExtractParam(params)
+	username := params[0]
+	var passphrase string
+	if len(params) > 1 {
+		passphrase = params[1]
+	}
 
 	// try passphrase
-	if username != "" && passphrase != "" {
+	if passphrase != "" {
 		if !nsLoginThrottleCheck(client, rb) {
 			return
 		}
@@ -257,18 +268,23 @@ func nsIdentifyHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, r
 	}
 }
 
-func nsInfoHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	nick, _ := utils.ExtractParam(params)
-
-	if nick == "" {
-		nick = client.Nick()
-	}
-
-	accountName := nick
-	if server.AccountConfig().NickReservation.Enabled {
-		accountName = server.accounts.NickToAccount(nick)
+func nsInfoHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	var accountName string
+	if len(params) > 0 {
+		nick := params[0]
+		if server.AccountConfig().NickReservation.Enabled {
+			accountName = server.accounts.NickToAccount(nick)
+			if accountName == "" {
+				nsNotice(rb, client.t("That nickname is not registered"))
+				return
+			}
+		} else {
+			accountName = nick
+		}
+	} else {
+		accountName = client.Account()
 		if accountName == "" {
-			nsNotice(rb, client.t("That nickname is not registered"))
+			nsNotice(rb, client.t("You're not logged into an account"))
 			return
 		}
 	}
@@ -276,6 +292,7 @@ func nsInfoHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *R
 	account, err := server.accounts.LoadAccount(accountName)
 	if err != nil || !account.Verified {
 		nsNotice(rb, client.t("Account does not exist"))
+		return
 	}
 
 	nsNotice(rb, fmt.Sprintf(client.t("Account: %s"), account.Name))
@@ -287,10 +304,13 @@ func nsInfoHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *R
 	}
 }
 
-func nsRegisterHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+func nsRegisterHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
 	// get params
-	username, afterUsername := utils.ExtractParam(params)
-	email, passphrase := utils.ExtractParam(afterUsername)
+	username, email := params[0], params[1]
+	var passphrase string
+	if len(params) > 0 {
+		passphrase = params[2]
+	}
 
 	if !server.AccountConfig().Registration.Enabled {
 		nsNotice(rb, client.t("Account registration has been disabled"))
@@ -366,12 +386,11 @@ func nsRegisterHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, r
 	}
 }
 
-func nsUnregisterHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	username, verificationCode := utils.ExtractParam(params)
-
-	if !server.AccountConfig().Registration.Enabled {
-		nsNotice(rb, client.t("Account registration has been disabled"))
-		return
+func nsUnregisterHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	username := params[0]
+	var verificationCode string
+	if len(params) > 1 {
+		verificationCode = params[1]
 	}
 
 	if username == "" {
@@ -415,9 +434,8 @@ func nsUnregisterHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string,
 	}
 }
 
-func nsVerifyHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	username, code := utils.ExtractParam(params)
-
+func nsVerifyHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	username, code := params[0], params[1]
 	err := server.accounts.Verify(client, username, code)
 
 	var errorMessage string
@@ -435,7 +453,7 @@ func nsVerifyHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb
 	sendSuccessfulRegResponse(client, rb, true)
 }
 
-func nsPasswdHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+func nsPasswdHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
 	var target string
 	var newPassword string
 	var errorMessage string
@@ -445,27 +463,26 @@ func nsPasswdHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb
 		return
 	}
 
-	fields := strings.Fields(params)
-	switch len(fields) {
+	switch len(params) {
 	case 2:
 		if !hasPrivs {
 			errorMessage = "Insufficient privileges"
 		} else {
-			target, newPassword = fields[0], fields[1]
+			target, newPassword = params[0], params[1]
 		}
 	case 3:
 		target = client.Account()
 		if target == "" {
 			errorMessage = "You're not logged into an account"
-		} else if fields[1] != fields[2] {
+		} else if params[1] != params[2] {
 			errorMessage = "Passwords do not match"
 		} else {
 			// check that they correctly supplied the preexisting password
-			_, err := server.accounts.checkPassphrase(target, fields[0])
+			_, err := server.accounts.checkPassphrase(target, params[0])
 			if err != nil {
 				errorMessage = "Password incorrect"
 			} else {
-				newPassword = fields[1]
+				newPassword = params[1]
 			}
 		}
 	default:
@@ -486,14 +503,12 @@ func nsPasswdHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb
 	}
 }
 
-func nsEnforceHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	arg := strings.TrimSpace(params)
-
-	if arg == "" {
+func nsEnforceHandler(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	if len(params) == 0 {
 		status := server.accounts.getStoredEnforcementStatus(client.Account())
 		nsNotice(rb, fmt.Sprintf(client.t("Your current nickname enforcement is: %s"), status))
 	} else {
-		method, err := nickReservationFromString(arg)
+		method, err := nickReservationFromString(params[0])
 		if err != nil {
 			nsNotice(rb, client.t("Invalid parameters"))
 			return
diff --git a/irc/services.go b/irc/services.go
index 674b84b1..a195e832 100644
--- a/irc/services.go
+++ b/irc/services.go
@@ -11,8 +11,6 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/goshuirc/irc-go/ircfmt"
 	"github.com/goshuirc/irc-go/ircmsg"
-
-	"github.com/oragono/oragono/irc/utils"
 )
 
 // defines an IRC service, e.g., NICKSERV
@@ -28,11 +26,12 @@ type ircService struct {
 type serviceCommand struct {
 	aliasOf      string   // marks this command as an alias of another
 	capabs       []string // oper capabs the given user has to have to access this command
-	handler      func(server *Server, client *Client, command, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer)
+	handler      func(server *Server, client *Client, command string, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer)
 	help         string
 	helpShort    string
 	authRequired bool
-	enabled      func(*Server) bool // is this command enabled in the server config?
+	enabled      func(*Config) bool // is this command enabled in the server config?
+	minParams    int
 }
 
 // looks up a command in the table of command definitions for a service, resolving aliases
@@ -90,7 +89,7 @@ HELP returns information on the given command.`,
 	helpShort: `$bHELP$b shows in-depth information about commands.`,
 }
 
-// this handles IRC commands like `/NICKSERV INFO`, translating into `/MSG NICKSERV INFO`
+// generic handler for IRC commands like `/NICKSERV INFO`
 func serviceCmdHandler(server *Server, client *Client, msg ircmsg.IrcMessage, rb *ResponseBuffer) bool {
 	service, ok := oragonoServicesByCommandAlias[msg.Command]
 	if !ok {
@@ -98,15 +97,22 @@ func serviceCmdHandler(server *Server, client *Client, msg ircmsg.IrcMessage, rb
 		return false
 	}
 
-	fakePrivmsg := strings.Join(msg.Params, " ")
-	servicePrivmsgHandler(service, server, client, fakePrivmsg, rb)
+	serviceRunCommand(service, server, client, msg.Params, rb)
 	return false
 }
 
-// generic handler for service PRIVMSG
+// generic handler for service PRIVMSG, like `/msg NickServ INFO`
 func servicePrivmsgHandler(service *ircService, server *Server, client *Client, message string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
-	commandName, params := utils.ExtractParam(message)
-	commandName = strings.ToLower(commandName)
+	serviceRunCommand(service, server, client, strings.Fields(message), rb)
+}
+
+// actually execute a service command
+func serviceRunCommand(service *ircService, server *Server, client *Client, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+	if len(params) == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+	commandName := strings.ToLower(params[0])
+	params = params[1:]
 
 	nick := rb.target.Nick()
 	sendNotice := func(notice string) {
@@ -119,7 +125,12 @@ func servicePrivmsgHandler(service *ircService, server *Server, client *Client,
 		return
 	}
 
-	if cmd.enabled != nil && !cmd.enabled(server) {
+	if len(params) < cmd.minParams {
+		sendNotice(fmt.Sprintf(client.t("Invalid parameters. For usage, do /msg %s HELP %s"), service.Name, strings.ToUpper(commandName)))
+		return
+	}
+
+	if cmd.enabled != nil && !cmd.enabled(server.Config()) {
 		sendNotice(client.t("This command has been disabled by the server administrators"))
 		return
 	}
@@ -143,15 +154,16 @@ func servicePrivmsgHandler(service *ircService, server *Server, client *Client,
 }
 
 // generic handler that displays help for service commands
-func serviceHelpHandler(service *ircService, server *Server, client *Client, params string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
+func serviceHelpHandler(service *ircService, server *Server, client *Client, params []string, rb *ResponseBuffer) {
 	nick := rb.target.Nick()
+	config := server.Config()
 	sendNotice := func(notice string) {
 		rb.Add(nil, service.Name, "NOTICE", nick, notice)
 	}
 
 	sendNotice(ircfmt.Unescape(fmt.Sprintf("*** $b%s HELP$b ***", service.Name)))
 
-	if params == "" {
+	if len(params) == 0 {
 		// show general help
 		var shownHelpLines sort.StringSlice
 		var disabledCommands bool
@@ -163,7 +175,7 @@ func serviceHelpHandler(service *ircService, server *Server, client *Client, par
 			if commandInfo.aliasOf != "" {
 				continue // don't show help lines for aliases
 			}
-			if commandInfo.enabled != nil && !commandInfo.enabled(server) {
+			if commandInfo.enabled != nil && !commandInfo.enabled(config) {
 				disabledCommands = true
 				continue
 			}
@@ -187,7 +199,7 @@ func serviceHelpHandler(service *ircService, server *Server, client *Client, par
 			sendNotice(line)
 		}
 	} else {
-		commandName := strings.ToLower(strings.TrimSpace(params))
+		commandName := strings.ToLower(params[0])
 		commandInfo := lookupServiceCommand(service.Commands, commandName)
 		if commandInfo == nil {
 			sendNotice(client.t(fmt.Sprintf("Unknown command. To see available commands, run /%s HELP", service.ShortName)))
diff --git a/irc/utils/args.go b/irc/utils/args.go
index 966d7026..8f087423 100644
--- a/irc/utils/args.go
+++ b/irc/utils/args.go
@@ -3,19 +3,6 @@
 
 package utils
 
-import "strings"
-
-// ExtractParam extracts a parameter from the given string, returning the param and the rest of the string.
-func ExtractParam(line string) (string, string) {
-	rawParams := strings.SplitN(strings.TrimSpace(line), " ", 2)
-	param0 := rawParams[0]
-	var param1 string
-	if 1 < len(rawParams) {
-		param1 = strings.TrimSpace(rawParams[1])
-	}
-	return param0, param1
-}
-
 // ArgsToStrings takes the arguments and splits them into a series of strings,
 // each argument separated by delim and each string bounded by maxLength.
 func ArgsToStrings(maxLength int, arguments []string, delim string) []string {