Ever since the New York Times had some "issues" with using anonymous sources, they've been much more careful about granting anonymity, and for explaining their reasons for doing so. A helpful Lexis Nexis search boils down the different reasons people have requested anonymity. They run the gamut from politeness to fear of death, which seems like probably the best reason to try to stay anonymous.
Ever since the New York Times had some "issues" with using anonymous sources, they've been much more careful about granting anonymity, and for explaining their reasons for doing so. A helpful Lexis Nexis search boils down the different reasons people have requested anonymity. They run the gamut from politeness to fear of death, which seems like probably the best reason to try to stay anonymous.