Unused usernames

Can we please add an option to take over unused usernames?

I would like my username that I use on other sites such as anilist, etc. but it's taken by another user here that hasn't logged into it in 10 years. They're clearly not using the account anymore.

Kate:

When I saw "Kate" was taken by a user in 2014 that did not log in since 2014 and they've been active for like 15 days total 🥲

I understand and feel you pain

It's silly. After 10 years, it's pretty obvious they're not using the account anymore.

Even Gmail recycles usernames.

Ji-N:

Gmail doesn’t recycle usernames, as it would be a security risk. It’s not something on our top priority list, but maybe later on if we get enough votes.

Sorry, I should have been more specific in Gmail's case. While currently they're not reusing usernames they do in fact delete accounts that are unused for 2 years.

See: https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/technology/safety-security/updating-our-inactive-account-policies/

"Starting later this year, if a Google Account has not been used or signed in to for at least 2 years, we may delete the account and its contents"

This is already well into effect, and I can personally confirm, as I've had accounts I don't use any more deleted.

Yes, I realise this. Using an email provider was a bad example for username recycling, and an oversight on my behalf. It was more pointed at, even the largest email provider in the world deletes unused accounts.

Recycling usernames isn't a risk on a website like this and is in use in many places.

I'll leave it at that though as I don't want to keep bothering you with replies. Hopefully others feel the same way and we get some votes. (Although I'm not sure how you vote as I don't see an option on any of these support threads, maybe I'm blind. :D)