would like to see people resist over-generalizing this proxy situation

pseudonymity itself is not inherently a bad thing

pseudonymity can encourage authenticity, preserve privacy, and allow for the expression of ideas which may otherwise go unsaid, among other things

like most things, it can be used for good and bad

when you build a reputation under a pseudonym over a long period of time, it's comparable to building a reputation under your legal ID

you have a lot of reputation accrued, and therefore, a lot to lose

i'll trust a quality pseud i've followed for 10 years over a stranger who shows me their passport 10 times out of 10

Especially when you have met IRL

And yes agree ☝️