we don't wear stripes but we do have epaulettes with our aero club logo printed on it. they do look a little more professional. some are embarrassed to wear them but i don't really mind. it's not a status thing, its just looks a little better i think. the best thing i find is that when walking down the street (yes i wear them outside the club, because I am a pilot after all and i feel that after all the hard work i put in, why should i feel ashamed of being one?) is that little kids think you are a policewoman and they behave themselves quick smart!
I wouldn't want to wear stripes until i get my airline job, but people who don't consider themselves 'real pilots' simply because they are still in the process of getting where they want to go, need to get a grip. you may not fly airliners, but you are still a qualified commercial pilot, just at a different level.
------------------
"if there is no peril in the fight, there is no glory in the triumph"