> This is the source of conflict, I think, between people who want more real names online and those who want none.

I think there is a space for both, tbh. There is always business based on reputation, and for that you need to self-identify. I used to be a professional gigging musician, and there was absolutely no way to do that while remaining anonymous online, nor would I want to.

The difference being, I suppose, was business vs personal, but personal brand was a thing long before the internet (I assume).