Chicken6,
Interesting comment...<<There are certain expectations in society and one is that a pilot with a valid commercial license will have some sign of rank>>>...
I am a pilot, fly only for recreation, and have a commercial licence. Do I have any "rank"?
Just because someone learned to operate a flying machine does not give them any particular "rank" in society. Pilots- instructors, ATP, Commercial, or whatever- are no better or worse than taxi drivers, shopkeepers, or vets.
Wearing stripes as part of a uniform while engaged in your employment is one thing, but using them to impress "society" shows either a big ego or massive insecurity.
Just a comment.