I think those who have been on a long time, get to know the real names of Abers and often use them. I think the only name I use is Chris, as it's easier to type than Buenchico.
When I chose my username, Gness remembers how shocked I was when I realised what it said without the first and last letter. It really didn't occur to me at the time. x
It has developed over the past 4-5 years and seems to be the "in thing" among "some" ABers and indicates a modicum of perceived friendship or acceptability. How do they find the "real name?" By extra site emails which is then followed like sheep by other ABers.
One aber tickles me by using a proper name endless times.....
I do happen to know the real name of Ducksie and am sometimes tempted to use it.....only because the D and the F are too close together on the keyboard and I type quickly....... :-(
A couple of people use my real name , mainly because it's obvious - and I seem to recall a few real names were revealed on (strangely enough) a thread about user names :-)