Nelle, I share your sentiments. Although it is lots of fun for some to create alter egos, and lots of fun for others to engage with them, it is not for me. I admit, I don't know who all the alters are, although I do know some. But my goal here is to write good stuff, engage with people who like to do the same, increase my understanding of the global community we live in, and to avoid the drama (as any community has) that can get in the way of producing good work and making solid relationships.
I also recognize that there are valid reasons for alters...some individuals have personal interests that don't mesh with their business ones, or different aspects of their business interests, where being a flaming instigator might satisfy a personal need but wreak havoc on a business goal. HP is a place where you can have both aspects, and I don't fault anyone for taking advantage of this HP structure that way.
At the same time, this place, HP, makes me more cautious than open. Mostly, I stay away from the Forums, but sometimes, there's great value in them. It's a balancing act.