Well... I don't see this as a big threat... Many people already have a cool avatar anyway! The worst thing that can happen is somebody asking for it and I go "sorry, got no time" or "maybe later..." 
Hey, can I have one? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze? I've made contributions to the forum, bought the book and two shirts! And linked the site from my Yahoo360 page. And told people about it. Let's see, anything I've forgotten about in this blatant attempt to brown nose? No, I think I covered everything.
I've always imagined a Turbomallard avtar as a grimacing duck wearing goggles with turbojet engines under each wing shooting through the sky...
Actually, kinda sad that that's all I aspire to, but hey, I'm realistic. You take what life hands you. And, frankly, anyone who gets to fly an aircraft is one lucky SOB. As John Monnett put it to me: Out of all of human history, to be born now and in a place where you can learn to fly, be lucky enough to afford it... the odds are astronmomical. Win the lottery? We've already won it!
TM