This wasn't really an issue when I had only 2-3 active linkshells, but now I'm in 7.

The [1] or [3] or whatever in front isn't really enough to make the LSes distinct in chat. So I've assigned them all different colors. But I still need to remember which color is who.

So here's my first idea:
Instead of showing a linkshell number in chat, show the linkshell crest. It's significantly more distinctive than a [4].

Second idea:
Instead of tying font color to linkshell number, tie it to the linkshell itself. You might wonder what the difference is. I got a new LS today and suddenly all my LSes were renumbered and the colors were all wrong