It seems that both sides have spoken on the "hidden" password issue and I have the solution.
Why not put a switch in somewhere, like a preference that can be turned on and off. This way, those who are paranoid that "passers-by" can see their client passwords can turn it on, and someone in my position that works for a company where the majority really could care less what goes on in the computer room can turn it off and see the passwords.
The perfect solution...now lets sit back and see whats done if anything with this situation that has received plenty of attention by TF Sysops.