I used a different method, and it certainly is something for you to think about in regards to other ways to do things. I would log onto my main network, if any of my nicknames were in use and NOT me(checked by the notify list), I would auto ghost them. When the nickname dropped off, if it my was primary nickname, I'd change back to it and identify, if not, they would just stay offline and I'd keep my nickname as the primary nickname. The reason I did it this way, was if somebody used my nickname AFTER I logged on, I'd find who was using it, and ghost it and it worked very well. it was quite efficient. of course this was, oh, 7 years ago or so, so things may have changed a bit.
