I was fortunate in that someone once threw my real identity in my face during a discussion "patio11" was having, and I realized that compartmentalization was already compromised and thus a determined adversary was always going to win. Having accepted this, and adjusting my online behavior to be more reflective of my desired public self, defangs most of the problems associated with people knowing who you are.

To quote Tyrion Lannister: "Let me give you some advice, bastard: Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you."

I tend to think that Internet folks have overly exaggerated impressions of the risk profile associated with having basic biographical information available, by the way. This is not a unique cross we have to bear -- every dentist, lawyer, McDonalds franchisee, etc has the same "problem." The vast majority are never targeted by the Internet hate machine.

The most annoying thing to have happen to me from having my identity public in ~8 years, aside from online criticism, was having someone find my cell phone number on WHOIS and ask for advice at 4 AM in the morning. My advice was to send me an email and schedule a call, like a considerate person.