Just got in after a pleasant evening out and worked my way through this lot. I think what we are left with is context, for example:
Alonso the loony - insulting & offensive
Alonso was driving like a loony - opinion, not offensive
Schumcher is arrogant - opinion, not offensive
Schumacher is an arrogant git - insulting & offensive
One of Fernando Alonso's most empashioned supporters on 606 (and briefly a member here) had the user name El_Nando - if he doesn't find the name Nando offensive I'm struggling to see why anyone who is not a big Alonso fan would.
This isn't making a mountain out of a mole hill, simply a way of avoiding alienating peolpe who might be offended and, therefore, no longer contribute to the site. How many have posted on here that they are "refugees" from 606 because of all the childish name calling and slanted, derogatory threads posted there? Do we want this site to go the same way? I would hope not.
I suppose all we can ask is that if you are requested not to use a name or phrase for a driver that you respect that decision and refrain from doing it.