I agree with you and feel as though the negativity has been escalating gradually over the past couple of years. I believe it is has become a favored sport of the trolls to attack from their alias. Wouldn't surprise me a bit either to learn there's been an increase in men choosing to live out their lives in mom's basement. Cheetos sales are probably higher as well.
If they only realized they are so much cooler online:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm7u25wRiV8
The reason I am in favor of the elimination of aliases is because it would change the culture. I think the use of the alias provides the trolls with the ability to be indiscriminately cruel to others. If one only has one identity, perhaps they will be more mindful of what they contribute.
if we all had just one handle or reputation, we would have to think about what we say and whom we say it to. Kind of like having a permanent record. Civility would likely be more popular.
I really have to believe that the vast majority of the TER users would agree that it is sick when a troll attacks a provider who's family is being threatened by a stalker. I doubt I am being a Pollyanna here.