Please read MySQL 5.7 documentation on CREATE USER and ALTER USER syntax:

(note before/after version 5.7.5/5.7.6 changes)

.. as well as this blog: http://mysqlblog.fivefarmers.com/2015/04/10/improved-alter-user-syntax-support-in-5-7/ "With changes made in MySQL Server 5.7.6, a better distinction is made between privilege-level attributes (those which are managed via GRANT and REVOKE statements) and account-level attributes (those managed using CREATE USER and ALTER USER statements).  MySQL has a long history of confusing these – for example, requiring a GRANTcommand to set account resource limits or require SSL. "

I think this is a very valid observation and thus also change. Does MariaDB have plans to implement the full CREATE/ALTER USER syntax of MySQL 5.7.5/5.7.6?

-- Peter

-- Webyog