Okay then, there should be an option to mask your identity as anonymous, if you're not totally comfortable with a subject and post it like that. But those who would comment under their (real) name could get a higher priority for that given comment.
EDIT: an algorithm to verify identity (far from perfect and not necessarily for HN)
1) Give 1 person a verified account (linked to facebook) who the admins know personally. 2) Let that person invite her _facebook friends_ to the system. ... and so on
Under your scheme, I can elect to comment pseudo-anonymously but, I'm not really anonymous. I've given my anonymity to HN (and the OP indirectly).
If I give something away I want to feel equally compensated. I wouldn't in this case.
I'm not opposed to using real names but, reject being compelled to do so.
There are certain things that I'd like to comment on at times, but don't, because I post under my real name. I hold some controversial opinions on things, but I refuse to have them permanently associated with my name on the internet in an easily abusable way. Any statement can be taken out of context.
For example, I thought long and hard before making this comment: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1314757
I only lurked on /r/anarchism for a long time, and didn't post there. Now I do.
There are a few other things that I just can't talk about in a public forum. I would contribute meaningful and thoughtful discussion if my account was anonymous.