Think you are missing the point a bit...but young men, be careful what you wish for...you are slowly walking your profession into the realms in which you will be sure to be treated wit the "respect we are deemed to deserve". No one is suggesting HATS make the pilots. I agree also its the WAY the uniform is warn also but if you cannot see the bigger picture of the direction we are all heading then well maybe we deserve what we get.
Remember the days that in an emergency the Captains Hat would distinguish him AS the captain in order to take control of emergencies, evacuations etc and to issue a sense of control in a panic situation....but of course in jeans and and shirt Im sure you will easily command the same respect in chaos...just shout loader eh or run out the door first, no one will no the difference.