I have to agree with the intial post. As an infrequent visitor to the forums I can say I recognize tons of names, but nothing about these people. I can't remember who's a dick, and who's helpful, or who's a spammer. Even people I argued with on the Politics forum.
Possible exceptions are mods, but I don't have much firsthand experience with any of them, just what others say about them, and because I don't know the people who are talking about it's not helpul.
If someone was really famous on the BBS they would be recognisable by almost all: regulars, newbs, infrequent visitors, everybody. There are so few that can claim that, it's like being a professional athlete, there are so many people trying to become one but such a small percentage actually do.
Also, people who try to make a name for themselves as spammers can't succeed. I can only remember the name of one person from the KK (but let's not get into a discussion about the goals and methodsof the KK)
All in all, I agree.