If you think your handle is going to somehow protect your anonymity, you are wrong. If something you post is going to be used against you in court, they would need things like IP address, trace routes and crap like that. Once they've proved it came from your computer, your name or handle doesn't really matter.
Now, if you change your handle to your name because you've been accused of hiding behind the PC, well, you've reacted, but not responded. It's up to you as to how you choose your identity, and no one else.
I use a handle not because it's anonymous, but because, well, it's just what I use. I wanted to respond to a post about lightning links, couldn't think of a "great" handle, so I picked this lame one. Now, it's everywhere I go. I can't help myself. (I also get regular e-mails from posters asking if I own one. No, of course not.)
IMO, you will always be Cornered Rat (though I will respond to your posted name/handle cause that's what you want). I doubt the political climate has changed so that you feel any less cornered, has it?
LL