ET isn't a massive space like Twitter or Instagram, additional verification would likely mean fewer users registering. There's also some additional costs for Baron associated with this. What does a live account verification achieve. Not against this idea but if someone has a $2k account and places 3 trades a year, it doesn't change a thing. I suppose people who want could show account balances and while very crude, the range of that number could be in the profile.
It's an interesting idea. But, you could be a moron losing tons of money writing stupid things over and over and have that 'Real Trader Icon'. And you could be a nice guys with tons of good ideas bringing valuable stuff without one. Personally, I don't really care what ET members think about me. I know how to spot members that bring valuable stuff here. I don't need an 'Icon' to tell me that. And trading with real money is not a good hint to separate the wheat from the chaff IMO. Would I do all the required steps to get that 'Badge'? Unless I want to brag about trading with real money or boost my ego, I wouldn't, unless there is an incentive to do so.
The one existing feature that establishes perceived helpfulness is post:like ratio. Adding Verified Real Trader icon ✨️ takes forum and member credibility up to a whole new level. Again, the phonies here who don't trade will object strenuously. Honest traders will welcome this.