Selectively modifying a message delivery requirement of a datagram message at an intermediary network node between an origin and a destination. A message delivery requirement is defined for a particular message. The message delivery guarantee defines how to transmit the particular message. A downgrading intent of the particular message is provided for the message at the origin. The downgrading intent of the particular message indicates that the message delivery requirement can be bypassed. The defined message delivery guarantee, the network delivery requirement, and the provided downgrading intent of the particular message are processed at the intermediate network node. The message delivery requirement of the particular message is ignored based on the provided downgrading intent. The message is delivered via a network protocol according to the provided downgrading intent.