Ed said

If someone wishes to be abusive, it's not difficult to register as a new user, using any name at all - and invent an email address if so desired.

I can't see how a post from such an individual would be any more 'valid'

You are right. Validity though is not the really the issue. Accountability maybe is.

It may be small comfort, but if such a course of action was taken, it is possible for those affected, to reply personally. This can prevent public reactions, which is the main purpose for such postings in the first place and may restrict the worst excesses of it? If it does not, Max can then take further action, as he has done, (reluctantly), in the past.