The fundamental problem with all of this is the inherent lack of uniqueness to player faces. IRL we recognize others (and are deceived by others) by their faces, what they wear, body types etc. the game doesn't address any of this (yet) but hopefully soon(tm). so in the meantime we try a superficial system of labeling and what not as a band aid solution in the meantime, to resolve this issue namely-- what makes each player "look" different. ideally this would be some visual difference. but right now its a difference in label.
adding unique player faces probably won't happen soon(tm) obviously as its limited by resources on the server end. but this is where ultimately the problem of recognition is solved, and although "labels" or lack thereof somewhat addresses this, its on a very superficial level. i figure since this is a long term project, at least 10-20 years longer at the rate its progressing, we should at least think long term and consider sliders for morophology of faces, tones etc. I wouldn't imagine such an awesome game having unique faces for each individual but with sliders for morohplogy, there will be enough uniqueness(a variety of different permutations) to keep it interesting.
In the meantime if you want to waste programming time for potentially a huge task that will take a great deal of time (according to the original post) then don't waste your time. spend more time creating the rest of the races at the very least. Because wasting loads of time towards a band aid solution to what ultimately is a problem of recognition detracts from the final solution of a game that give us visual differences. Finishing player races is a step closer to our final goal, and should be considered first. I know Xillix would say "But they're completely different! ARt isn't related to blah." Then give that team responsible for the Band aid solution a break and let them work on something else. Let the community RP it.
After having written this, i'd like change my vote from invisible labels to just allowing RP to solve the problem in the meantime, at least till the art catches up with what we would like to have as our final result.
I'd also like to point out I have no idea how this suggestion would pan out because there are a number of questions that i have that aren't exactly answered.
1.) will targeting a player reveal their name?
2.) having a player say something reveal their name in main chat?
3.) will abuse be more rampant without properly identifying the perpetrator
that's just the tip of the iceberg as i'm sure others can think of other problems.
Let's RP this as we've always been and while the idea of some anonymity is good, its superficial at best.
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