Kent, you haven't the faintest notion of what the term "superior" means in military parlance; and no, being a commissioned officer does not make one superior, merely privileged.
Helmut, I suspect you to be a master at devil's advocation, but if you are genuinely resentful of saluting then a body exists which doesn't have to; they are called civilians.
You are however, absolutely correct in respect having to be earned. Sadly, there will always be those who can't appreciate that fact.