for a start, ppr, you got completely the wrong end of the stick regarding my post. it took me a few minutes to work out what you were talking about. didn't mean to leave out ppl's as they are real pilots too. my point is exactly that though....we are all 'real' pilots once we have a licence. i agree with igcogneeto...if we continue to behave like the scum of the flying world (as instructors), then we will be treated like it. take pride in what you do. just because you don't fly an airliner doesn't mean your flying is a waste of time.
as for those airline pilots who confess to taking off the stripe on the the way home...get a grip. i certainly don't spend my days strutting around town with my uniform on, but i certainly don't go to the wasted effort of taking off any evidence of what i am and what i do either. i'm not ashamed of being a pilot but it sounds as though you guys are. what a pity you spent all the time, effort and money only to engage in such pathetic behaviour.