I dont know actually, how do you actually have to recognize your friends? If some strange person says: 'I am Person' , do you believe him/her then?
Well, if they are your "friends" they probably would know you more than just on Minecraft. Maybe Skype, or just ask them something only THEY would know :)
Their avatar would still be the same, You will still be following/ignoring them, Their profile comments will stay Their posts will stay We can all make a thread about; "Here's my new username!" To make sure everyone knows our identites. :p geeeeeeckooozozoozozozz, Anyways, If changing usernames on the forums , that's where this will apply.
I wouldn't change my name. I really like my name and changing it would be a waste of time, in my opinion. My feeling is just neutral about the username update.
Well, I think you can chose to keep it the same. :D Either that or when you remake it, just remake it the same exact one.