The inner heart and true appearance of our viewers.
I'm sure none of this will help, but the last time I was logged into the grid, I was in Welcome, and EVERYONE was a fat grey man. It was amusing, but kinda freaked me out. I figured that I appeared the same in others viewers.
I don't have much to say about how it happens, but I've noticed that sometimes if someone crashes and comes back or if they log on after you, and usually if they log on in another region, they appear this way.
Actually, one of the first times I logged into the grid, another player looked this way, but when we crossed region boarders they changed into their original shape. That was back in December though. I'm sure things have been tweaked since then.
The only way I know how to get rid of the grey man, and I'm sure everyone knows this, is by editing appearance. Taking off your clothes and body parts and putting them back on, or tweaking some details slightly.
He's an odd "little" man. It's kinda sad that this is a conspiracy to get rid of him. I think when he does go away, there should be a link in the inventory so we can change into him on command. Just for his memory. ...Ok...maybe not. =P