It was one of the most interesting experiences I've had online; I noticed that I was liking/not-liking things specific people would say, that I normally wouldn't. I had somehow managed to surpass the internal biases I had built up about specific people. Obviously doesn't answer the question of how I'd change if I was acting anonymously, since everyone else could identify me. But for me looking out and interacting largely anonymously with people I already knew was profound.
Personally, I find the color's annoying and cluttered, but it is a decent idea to add some common identity inside a thread. I like the idea in general, and would love to see more things like it.
You're writing was great. I laughed several times during the "Then all hell broke loose" section.