>> it is normal for questions to be asked. And it is proper for those who know to explain it to the rest of us.

Then why all this churlishness just because someone asks a question. Actually, any question is legitimate if it is something you don't know already and would like to know. Some people ask a question they already know the answer too, just to start an interesting conversation. And that is OK too.

Some guys use pseudonyms because their bosses might take a dim view of the actual facts getting reported. That way they can report the facts as they truly see them, without the inevitable attempt to shut them up - as my boss has repeatedly done to others before me.

Just imagine some guy, such as Old Pole Burner, revealing his previous investigations into near misses caused by "False clears" - Wow! Now what would happen if he used his real name. He'd get fired or worse; and no one could ever again hear of such things or what is customarily done about them.

I have also heard widespread reports of bloggers getting discriminated against or even getting fired because of their political posts. The press zealously protects the anonymity of its original sources for damn good reason. And the use of a pseudonym here is often just as important.

Long live the pseudonym.