Maybe that's because the RAAFies had to earn wings.
Retirees have many years vested in the history of Qantas.
Gen Y cadets and the like just bought theirs.
Sorry mate, I'm Gen Y and I along with the pilots of my generation most definitely earned our wings through hard work, study and $$$. We have as much right to have a say about the uniform as the older guys and ex military.
It's funny how all this talk about how changing the insignia on the wings and cap badge disrespects history, yet I've never in my time heard anyone complain or even point out that the roo and emu on the wings were ON THE WRONG SIDE! So why all the fuss now?
I believe the new wings are respectful to our past (the kangaroo symbol) whilst removing something that I personally consider now superfluous to the uniform (the coat of arms symbol, even though it will remain on the tie pin) and something that was misrepresented (the southern cross). I'll most definitely be wearing the uniform with pride and I look forward to our gen Y (or other) new recruits who also thoroughly earned their position and their wings to be wearing them with pride.