While discussing with ferill about solutions to our current 'identity crisis', he came up with an idea I think is most wonderful. I think the key issue here is custom titles, as Max the Mug pointed out. Such things like an extra private message storage isn't as useful. Anyway, this idea works on the same system that our moderator nomination system works.
Every four months, or so, a thread will be opened where members may vote for who they think deserves a custom title. However, to keep it confidential, you'll probably end up private messaging me. I'll probably also ask that you provide a substantial reason for the person you voted for. One major difference is that you won't actually nominate members, you'll just vote for them. However, if we get a multitude of votes for many different people, nominations might have to take place, and we will narrow it down to a few members.
This solves the problem, as it means that the members choose who they want to get a custom title. It also means that at least four custom titles will be awarded every year.
Of course, I'm open to all ears. So please suggest anything else to add to this solution
Alcar...