Great idea and this is definitely something we have been thinking over.
Next automated restart (12am PST, Dec 29), a new plugin will be installed where you can do /nick request
and staff can approve it while donators will get unlimited changes and higher tiers will get colours.
The reason it is a donator perk is that we are very limited in the perks that we are able to provide and that is a very common cosmetic one.
However, I do understand your concern and it makes perfect sense.
**Edit
The nickname request plugin did not work; so it was removed. Alex and I came to a decision that we would like to keep it as a donator perk due to our limited options in perks. Thus, you must get
Bronze rank or above on our store at
https://store.patriam.cc/ to get nickname access.
You may also purchase a one-time nickname change in the
Cosmetic section of the store.