DH
I think that's a company wide problem - there's always been the presumption that 1 bar (however thin) means you're a trustworthy chap, whereas 3 stripes makes you a council estate hero who can't quite be trusted.
Several, who I won't name, have said more or less exactly that when it comes to the credibility question. The answer, although it isn't one, is always that the officer side of the fence are simply much more capable and better human beings (or words to that effect

) Well HELLO company ! you've got it wrong !
See you on the other side DH - I feel the force pushing me and opportunity pulling me.......but I'll miss some stuff