Yes, if you list only the downsides it sounds like a bad idea.
You already listed the upsides. I'm taking the opposite stance, of course I'll list downsides.
In any case, HN doesn't feel like it has an individual-driven community, at least compared to Reddit. I'm hard pressed to name any users on this site. That might be more a reflection on me - I come here to read about interesting topics, and I have more interest in the message than the speaker.
Incidentally, how many HN users can you name? (I'm genuinely curious)
I didn't list all the upsides, just the executive summary :) But for sure there are multiple legitimate views about how best to set up an internet forum. Nevertheless HN is set up the way I described and we're not going to change it.
Re names: No idea, but more than it would be worth taking the time to try listing. I'm the wrong person to ask, though, since it's my job to monitor HN.
- Ad hominem attacks
- Disclosing hypocrisy (as a logical fallacy)
- Celebrity posters distracting from the subject
- Appeals to authority
Consistent identity is a no-brainer within the context of a single post; beyond that, there are downsides.