When I first joined PPrune, around 1999 or thereabouts, I did so using my real name - at the time I was quite closely associated with microlight aeroplanes, and a PPL(M) as it was then was my only licence. Oh yes, and by the way, I had a degree in aeronautical engineering, and had spent 5 years of my life as an engineer supervising the flight testing of military aircraft.
My experience then was that the "heavy metal guys" looked at my PPL(M), no further, and it was made quite clear that I had nothing useful for them.
So, I killed off that identity, invented Genghis, and let people judge me by what I say, and the level of knowledge I can bring to the conversation. It happens that since then, I've ended up with a CPL and a PhD in aerospace engineering, and eventually ended up back in the "heavy metal" flying world again - but you only have my word for that. On the whole, I'm happy to have come in with no reputation, and built credibility (or not) on the basis of my credibility on PPrune.
We can all put a one-line summary of our background and qualifications - and nowadays I do, as do many, but far from all, others. Charlatans have used PPrune - we all know the stories, and at least two people have been to prison for behaviours that at-least in part used PPrune. But equally we have the ability to judge people by what they say and do *here*, or meet people in real life if there are reasons to, and form opinions (or check qualifications!) there as well.
Personally, I'm happy with things the way they are right now.
G