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I think this is where it's going. Particular Mastodon servers will provide certain guarantees to their users and about their users. It's easy to envision a white-glove server + service that provides user screening, phone support, etc. at a price. Over time when certain celebrities join it becomes the popular server and sought after as a username destination.

Bluecheck.com redirects to "Rob Jacobson"'s profile on linkedin.com. Ge claims to be original inventor of the blue checkmark.

There are attempts like that for various communities. For example https://journa.host/about

I'm sure when bigger celebrities migrate, someone will start a service optimised for few huge (in follower count) accounts.