Tom, I assume the behaviour you object to is the periodic bouts of abusiveness and bullying to which Mudcat can sometimes descend. I don't like that either. On the other hand, when it gets too bad the moderators will step in, as has happened on a couple of recent threads.

One of the things I like about Mudcat is that is is moderated with a light touch, unlike some forums. That does mean that debate can sometimes be robust, but they do step in when it goes over the top. I think they've got it about right.

As for nicknames encouraging such behaviour, some of the sharpest tongues post under their own names, or else are easily identifiable, so I don't think doing away with them would help.