First of all I did not touch the avatar in months and then either something happened either this is a bug. I did not change avatar on clients. I had always the same one and now as well with .png extension. And I have bothered to read this https://communicationfreedom.wordpress.com/2014/03/17/pump-io-tips/ 
And I think you make too much assumptions without knowing the people and the facts . Go in peace!