this is not going to help the genuine strangers win acceptance or feel welcome, now is it?

No, it isn't. The whirlwind of activity of trying to keep up with the board is intimidating and confusing enough initially (my first real jaunt here was that endless, weaving "Nautical Thread," so I know!) without the extra confusion of phantom entities going on...good-natured as it is. (and, no "Vixy," please don't resurrect the "Nautical Thread," now) It makes for some fun...but, in the long run, I do think it's more important to encourage new energy to stay.