Hoosier, open up to broader understanding. Yes, it can be virtue signaling, in some cases. But your postulation, or implication, that it is nothing other than virtue signaling is narrow-minded.
Funny thing is, by your broad characterization of "virtue signaling" one might consider your signature just that.
Right?
This is like how the Right branded social justice activists "social justice warriors", making it somehow pejorative to be perceived as fighting for social justice. Now, similarly, "virtue signaling" carries negative connotations for some people.
Including, apparently, you. You, with that signature on every single post you make.
I mostly do it to clarify my position on things because I get grouped into the left winger or the right winger camp far too often.
But really for me my stance upon one informs my stance upon the others.
That's the main reason I use that signature.