Character name can't be hidden.

[Tsukino_Kaji]

I read no where that the character linking was manditory.

[Alhanelem]

I read no where that the character linking was manditory.

It is.

Personally I think people shouldn't try to hide who they are on the game with this being the official forum, though I can understand people's feelings on this.

[Neonii]

I am planning on using my level one mule named Tragic lol.

[Kraggy]

I read no where that the character linking was manditory.

We would like to announce a new function enabling players to link character data to their forum profiles. This feature will go live as part of the FINAL FANTASY XI Forum maintenance scheduled for June 29, 2011.

At present, players are required to use a Square Enix ID when logging into the forums. Characters on the PlayOnline ID associated with this Square Enix ID will now be displayed in forum profiles. Players with more than one character registered to their account may select which character to link.

After logging into the forums following the maintenance, players will be taken to the Profile Settings screen and asked to choose an active character. Forum posts cannot be made until a character has been selected.

Forum profiles will now display the following:
・Character name
・World name
・Up to three jobs and levels of a player's choosing
* The above information cannot be hidden.

Players will retain forum handles.

Highlighted the bit you obviously missed.