I think you'll probably disagree on this point, but my personal preference would be to have the game require some greater degree of authentication to prevent sock puppets.

I don't disagree at all, so perhaps we need to discuss the thoughts in more detail. While I disagree with the argument in Dan's post, he is talking about complete transparency all the way to the physical self. "greater degree of authentication" does not have to go that far.

In fact I am working on ideas which have the side effect of greater authentication on Steem but the system is so designed against this and in favor of alt account that's it's proved extremely difficult.

This doesn't mean we need to inherit these problems though. I implore you to join the Nth Society Slack and brainstorm with us on it. I'm totally open to any alterations, this proposal is an explicit call for it!