I'm not really targeting any person in this discussion, don't take it personal, but we've all seen those users, who're greatly affected by ranks, it gives them a sense of prestige or power. Imagine such people seeing an "influencer" with their special pawn joining the chat.
I guess some people are just afraid they lose their status with this new pawn, specially when its near impossible for them to get.
Generally, I like the idea, only if the influencers are actively promoting xat, otherwise I think it will create unnecessary attention and they will probably be a magnet for harassment (hope not).