First....Awesome work!!! It is the little house cleaning things like you are doing that make this site awesome! I think the "behind the scenes" housework is among the most important things that TCDB members who want to contribute can do. Additionaly, you're seeking guidance, clarification, and confirmation in the forums. That is also awesome! Too much well intentioned work has to be undone because a member with high initiative didn't take a moment to do that.
Since you mentioned creating a "name tag" (PID) and adding a descriptor in the differention field ("DIFF").......
First we should clarify terms just to make sure we are talking about the same thing. You're saying "name tag"; the official TCDB term Is PID (Person Identification). At least, it is if we are talking about the same thing; which I'm pretty sure we are.
I always add a descriptor in the "DIFF" field when I "Add a name", even if there isn't a currently conflicting name in the database. I have added a lot of names for vintage non-sport cards and several times I found myself adding different people with the same names. This happens a lot with royalty and politicians. Once you add the name and create the PID it is very difficult to go back and add "DIFF" descriptor -even if it would be useful. It is always useful when there are two of the same name. So why not add it right away, just in case someone with the same name ever gets added to the database?
For people I use the birthdate in this format (b. 1969).
I'm currently doing a lot of work in the gaming category. For that I use the title of the game, Pokemon, MtG, etc.. (Not that you or many others care about the Gaming Category. lol)
I don't do much work in sports, so I'm not going to comment on formating for those categories. But for politicians, royalty, actors, etc.; the positions people hold in life change. One thing that doesn't is their birthdate. For a little while I used things like "actress" or "singer". I think it is pretty obvious that those descriptors fall short, so over time I've settled on birthdate.
Just sharing a TTP (Tactic, Technique or Procedure). I'm an old soldier and that's what soldiers do. No insult or offensive intended.
My two-cents is worth slightly more than a penny.
-- Chad --