I prefer real names as well. Using a sobriquet in a forum shows that you don't trust your friends and usually comes back to show what kind of an individual you are. I especially like the cute handles such as "salmonoid killer", "bass squasher " .. it lends to the conservation theme that we try to instill doesn't it?
Actually though, it doesn't much matter because when someone shows up on the net, you know exactly where they live so the whole "I'll change my name" thing becomes childish.
How do you do? My name is SUE!