I've had my real name voluntarily visible in my BoonEx profile for quite some time now. In any case, it's already available at a number of places with my photo, e-mail address and whatnot, as you kinda need a "real person" level credibility if you intend to do business online beyond selling warezzz in the peanut gallery.

I've found that using real names makes a dramatic cut in the amount of "up yours" posting online, because it's one notch closer to a real life encounter that see more may have repercussions. No identity means no repercussions.

I tend to take more seriously the writings of a person who lets his real-life persona be associated with his writings. It brings a whole new sense of responsibility into what you say and do online.

We've grown accustomed to the notion that internet is some sort of FOFFA (F**k Off Free For All) you can go vent at whenever you like and get off with it, whereas you'd probably get your face remodeled if you were to use the same rhetoric with the guys at the pub next door...

Be that as it may, of course I do understand why some people may wish to keep their real names secret, for any number of reasons, and that should always be an option as long as no commercial transactions are involved.