So currently when a thread is discovered to be sockpuppeting, the thread is deleted.
Wouldn't it be better if (a) all the sockpuppeting posts get retrospectively highlighted in the same colour (b) the names all get changed so that they show as "XYX (pretending to be someone else)" and (c) if they don't end up being banned, they aren't allowed to change name again (or perhaps just not for a year) so that their mn online persona is associated with their dishonesty for anyone who cares to look, and hopefully use shame as a reminder not to do it.
Or would that be mean? I think this should be taken seriously. I namechange regularly to maintain privacy but I don't sockpuppet obviously. Sockpuppeting makes normal inoffensive name changes seem dodgy. Having the thread deleted lets the offender off lightly as it's difficult to remember who said what one the thread has gone. Keeping it visible in the way suggested would be embarrassing and therefore a more effective deterent.