Shouldn't only moderators be able to change the title of root nodes
They are the only ones who can. merlyn's reply is not the actual root node that started the thread.
merlyn adds the • to his nodes to make them easier for him to see and track his replies. However the powers that be decided to filter out escape sequences within the node titles.
TStanley
-------- It is God's job to forgive Osama Bin Laden. It is our job to arrange the meeting -- General Norman Schwartzkopf