If the English-language FAQs are any indication, anonymity is the default on the original Japanese 2-channel BBS, and Futaba image board as well, and people who post with names and tripcodes are generally regarded as being egotistical. If the participants of a conversation are to be distinguished, then reply numbers are most often used.

The English translation of the Densha Otoko threads doesn't include any posts where DO gets shouted down for transitioning into "namefaggotry". Maybe there weren't any, or maybe those were left out.

on 4chan, people who post with names and tripcodes are given the appropriate fag title. I don't know whether this is due to any perceived problem with names, or just 4channers looking for any excuse to call someone a fag. It could also be an extension of the /b/tarded "Anonymous is legion" Fight Club fantasy. Since I don't really give a shit what people put in the name field, I don't understand the psychology of it, really.

All I know for sure is that any essay about how anonymity prevents trolling? Total bullshit. That might be true in the homogeneous culture of Japan, but there are plenty of English-speakers who seem to think that taking advantage of people's trust is the funniest thing you can possibly do.