I am so glad that I saw this post because I was just about to post my own suggestion about this. I have no need of seeing my characters name above my head 24/7. In fact, as far as the linkshell shield goes, I guess (simply so that someone knows which they're active in at that moment) it could be moved elsewhere, maybe smaller, on the screen - perhaps next to the mini map or next to whatever class you are at the moment (exp bar area).

Regardless, I'm glad someone posted about it and also glad to see that someone important had responded on the very first page. Awesome!