I think everyone is reading too much into it. Wear however many you like. Whatever colour you like Gold or Silver. People who call them platinum have dellusions of grandeur. You will look a prat but you sound as though you know the score on that front and won't walk about your local flying club/supermarket dressed in them. They do help massively. They average dude over there sees the bars and all is fine. He doesn't start questioning or pushing the issue. Though a crew badge will help through the airport. Can you get even an Aopa one or one from your airport if your based at a large one?
Flashing the licence will help and again I have never had mine examined closely. They see pilot licence printed on the front and your fine.
A colleague was ferrying a twin turbine through there in his shorts and T shirt and had a real hard time. Went back on board for a quick change and very suddenly everything was much much simpler.