I don't see why Bioware can't just do what Guild wars did. your personal avatar's texture settings were higher than everyone elses. honestly i don't give a crap about other people's avatars.
on top of that Stephen Reid said it himself, they can render high-res textures in the conversations, this would include my avatar and those of up to 3 other player character's avatars. so why can't i have it set to only render high-res for myself and my party, as before i'm sure i'm not the only one who doesn't give a flying.... about what everyone else looks like.
Also, do something about the paper doll textures, they are HORRIBLE. i go to try something new on my guy, maybe see if i wanna take it as my reward for a quest or even buy an item off the GTN, but when it looks like my character is wearing a suit of multi-colored vomit it kills it for me.