i seem to remember back in the 90's you had diferant colour epaulettes depending on what stage of the training programme you were on.
The uniform served a purpose - no ar5e1ng about in the morning deciding what to wear, no oil/fuel strains on your own jeans etc...
And on a personal note i though it made me "get into work mode" and actually looked pretty smart and professional.
Don't see the problem myself - if you don't want to wear the uniform and are getting your knickers in a twist over such a trivial matter then important things like exams and flying are going to tip you over the edge- good luck
