Good idea, birdstrike.

If the photo album could have a section that would contain head shots, and be organized alpabetically by handle, that might be another, albeit more complicated, way to identify one another.

Of course, an avatar, that can be turned on and off at will would be much simpler, and the ability to add a photo to one's profile would be the next best option.

Other than "visual clutter" (which can be turned on and off at will) does anyone have any other objections to avatars and country flags, that would be sufficient to offset the tremendous value in community building that these features would offer?

P.S. I have absolute faith that any FlyerTalker worth his/her salt, and able to finagle upgrades on an S fare, will certainly be able to figure out how to find the avatar on off switch. I have great faith in the intelligence of human beings.