If you change your username on Twitch, it breaks all the old links instantly, and nobody can find you if they don't know your new name.

I 100% understand that for some people, this is a boon! But, if you are a streamer, this can be disastrous, especially if you didn't expect it to happen, and even if the change is as simple as adding an underscore for clarity.

In my observation (whatever that's worth), more people don't want to break their links and hide from their friends than do.

Why not have a check box when you change your name which says "Forward visits and whispers for 90 days", just like when you change your landline you could opt in or out of having an automated "This number has been changed" announcement for a limited time.

Since the old usernames aren't reused for a while (or, sometimes, ever), there's no reason not to offer this, and it would improve stream community connection, viewership numbers, and revenue for that matter!