The idea of tycoon is to show off your wealth. (orginally) This makes the player noticeable in chat and therefore fulfills the idea of tycoon +1
Personally, I think black is extremely hard to read. Any other colour (Bright blue?) for the stars, and I'D agree!
Wondering if that's too much of a bump, especially considering that there are several other threads like this. As for me, I think dark gray or auction blue stars would be nice - but not black. +1
-1, I don't really like the look of this and it is not really needed since asterisk's are now used to symbolize a nickname.
+1 Tycoon is the first of the 'money ranks' (until claims are purchasable) and this would make it look nice.