I imagine that is true.I think subconsciously we act more respectful to our followers, because we assume they respect us.
So I'm just now reading all of this and if I had more badges right now both b_b and kleinbl00 would be getting one. I would be adamantly opposed to losing the color coding of the relationship between users. We are attempting to build a discussion community fostered around the notion that context between people matters. Eliminate the color and eliminate the context. Not a good idea. I'd go so far as to say that devoid of creating a new and better way to highlight those relationships, it's a bad and even dangerous idea. edit: mk, you are one of my closest friends and we don't follow each other on Hubski. If someone is too fragile to handle being "unfollowed" or too passive to unfollow someone, that's sort of their problem imo and I'd guess that they're in the minority. ecib can unfollow me, I'd still consider him a friend and wouldn't be hurt in the slightest. Now if either of you mute me... well, then we'll have problems :)