Ok, time for a bit of fundamental common sense methinks! While we don't want to return to a 1745 Directive which ordered," men not to pull off their hats when they pass an officer, or speak to him, but only to clap their hands to their hats and bow as they pass by", we should continue to acknowledge the salute as representative of the oldest traditions of the military, which should never be confused with a servile act.
The salute and other military compliments have their own raison d`etre. They encourage a proper pride in the uniform, they effectively combine the needs of a disciplined force with the respect due to superiors, and at the same time elevate the airman in his own eyes by reminding him that he is a member of a professional body.
Dump the salute by all means. Then the uniform. Then you can turn up for duty if an when you feel like it. Then you become a rabble, not an armed force.