There have been threads on the topic but I couldn't find anything definitive. Personally I like the idea of avatars since it adds flavour and makes the playing experience immediately a little more personal.
If it's a moderation problem, how about something that's customizable within limits, like so:
(Mockup based on the pawn from them horsey piece set)
If it's a moderation problem, how about something that's customizable within limits, like so:
(Mockup based on the pawn from them horsey piece set)