The only people who care what we wear are the "suits". Says it all. Give me my shorts and flipflops any day, I'll certainly sport them at every given chance within the confines of the "new rules", and walk in, control in my usual manner, and walk out slightly more comfortable and relaxed. The days of the "shirt/tie" brigade are long gone, unless you want to kiss ass and jump up a ladder
It may well be that kind attitude that gave the suits at the Airline Group the idea of controllers paying for their own training.
They simply do not hold you in high regard any more and I have to say I don't blame them one little bit.