So, a little more than a month ago I attended a Meet and Greet. I was talking to two other hobbyists and come to find out we had all three had the pleasure of spending time with the same woman. I knew one of the guy's first name as we had talked at a previous M&G at the same location. So, I said to the other guy "hey XXXX said he's been with her and you said you've been with her, what's your name"? The guy pauses and says, "chief".  

Then again, there are thousands of other dudes in the USA that have the same first name that I do, so it's not really an issue.  

It's easier and if it makes them feel safer, by all means.
It's more important to recall a name/handle.
So I will call you as you wish, but you only get one shot at a name, don't even try to get me to call you something else later, lol.
Once you have a name, that's it, done deal, can't call you anything else, lol. Guarantee to never forget, lol.

"chief" is a bit overkill. IMO  
My last name is not "escalade1964" so I still would not offer my last name
even though we are screened

I've only attended one Meet and Greet and for the event I went with a fake first name too. But I used a very common first name that no one would think twice about it.

IMO, he made it more awkward or uncomfortable than it needed to be.  Id guess he was caught off guard and thus didn't have a smooth or humorous reply on hand.  

Just because we're screened, the ladies don't give us their real life first names. I'm pretty sure that Zayla and Rasha aren't their real names. Is Russ your real name? If it is, you obviously have nothing to lose if you're found out. Maybe "Chief" has just a little more on the line. I understand where he's coming from.

That's odd in and of itself.

No it has not been on my mind for over a month. I attended a holiday party last night and the process of introductions sparked my memory.

Or maybe you forgot this little world of ours is illegal and that there are numerous stories of gals outing dudes and ruining their lives???

you could change your name once a week and I wouldn't be any wiser... I'm horrible with names and envy your talent... on the other hand, I will remember your face forever...

The first people I saw was a guy i know who attends food and wine socials that I attend. I obviously know his real name. The M&G had just begun. I approached a few ladies I knew to say hello and POOF he was gone. I guess he didn't want me to know his handle?  

Based upon his reaction, I would ignore him or at the very least ignore the fact that you seen each other at a M&G.

I take pity on you for being so miserable. I mean participating in our wonderful corner of the world, and still being a miserable soul, yeah I feel sorry for you. There is help out there for you, do some research, get help.

Just saying!

But my first name is very very common. So it's not like it can be used to track me down.  

BoB

...I don't see much risk in offering up your first name only.  
I guess some people need to keep the mystery going, even off the clock.

I have several "real" names.  

Yes, something I picked up in school...once I get a name face, priceless, its forever.
Faces are something that I have seen some actually forget due to a hairstyle change.
That is also a talent.