If you want to put your pic up, you put it in your profile. If someone wants to see your pic, they look at your profile.
Because the profiles are there, I really don't see the point in 'avatars.'
Do we really need to tackify the place, like so many 'tattoos' (so we can express our individuality like everyone else?)
Profiles, people. Profiles.
Besides, I don't want to look at some of your mugs all the time.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to post a giant mind-blowing annoying signature. kthx.