I've often thought the same thing! I've even thought of starting a thread: "What is the story behind your avatar?" I would love to know this about people here at PC. I bet there is some interesting personal symbolism here!

I chose mine (from the stock here) because it was a phoenix (I like the way phoenixes bounce back from their own destruction) and it was black on white (implying Shadow material).

I might get a new one (if I ever learn how). But I've become rather attached to my bird. So the new one would have to be pretty meaningful and special.

It is jarring when someone changes their avatar! Sometimes, if the image fits them better or is somehow truer, I like it; and I always consider a new avatar to be new info about the person. But yeah, I miss the old ones a lot too! Mike