Each and every anonymous guest knows if there is more than just themselves participating in any given thread, so we do have that "advantage" (if some wish to perceive it that way) over everyone else.

There is also no "proof" as you say kat, that anonymous guests also aren't members posting anonymously. I've seen numerous instances of members wanting to "prove" how easy it is to "steal" a member's identity (and how awful we should feel about that), steal the identity of a guest user they don't like/disagree with, only to fess up to doing it in a follow-up message. I've also seen a number of other posters use the handles I've signed in with previously post as guests. I know it isn't me, but of course, no one else does. I suspect the person doing it is either a member who wants me to bite the troll bait, or a troll who has perused the archive, and figures that by using a previously used handle of someone who has been involved in controversial discussions (whom the members clearly enjoy flaming) can get the fire roaring that much more quickly by posting some simple provocation.

The response by certain members is entirely predictable.

I haven't seen any guests "demanding respect" in this thread. I have seen numerous guests, some members who are former guests, and some members say that there are some pretty hostile and rude members of Mudcat who are doing the discussion of music in this forum a disservice, however.

I don't care what anyone thinks of me. Not because I'm an insensitive lout, but because I'm here for discussion, not friendship and community, just like the above guest.

I love the idea of everyone having to post anonymously! That way egos and personalities wouldn't dominate, and we could have meaningful exchanges based upon what was actually being said about music instead of commenting on one another's personalities and personal foibles.