If I changed names to protect the innocent, would the guilty would still know who they are?

Several times now, the idea of vengeance or "revenge writing" has come across my mind. The first time, I wanted to publish an expose of the scathing hypocrisy present in an educational institution. An older, more experienced mentor advised me against it. I took their advice. I regret my decision.

Since then, I've come across several instances of people or situations that I believe warrant being the brunt of revenge writing. What a moral quandary. Part of me is disgusted that I'm "playing it safe." The other part (the more insistent voice) tells me that it's part of the human condition.

So, which should it be? It's defining me as a person and professional to keep my hand still. Every one has experienced similarly unfair situations. It would be funny. It would be personable. It would be true. It's what I know.

But would it be mean? Why should I care if it is, when the injustice has been committed against me and/or my loved ones? Would I seem petty and amateurish if I went forward with it? If I changed names to protect the innocent, but the guilty would still know who they were?

What makes me wrestle the most with my conscience is not whether or not to do it, it's that I went against my better instincts and allowed someone else to define my parameters. How am I supposed to ever make waves if I never leave my comfort zone?

What to do...