Two counter-arguments: First, in many disciplines, it is common to circulate pre-prints of papers which are being refereed. In this case, anonymity for the auth

Two counter-arguments: First, in many disciplines, it is common to circulate pre-prints of papers which are being refereed. In this case, anonymity for the authors is impossible, practically speaking. Second, the OP describes a snob effect, but there is also the reverse: Some referees will be more patient in dealing with badly organized or poorly written papers from a junior researcher. Not necessarily lower standards, but spending more time figuring out the paper, making suggestions for improvement.