I am reminded of the Gelber-Jensen controversy. Gelber reported in 1952 that the Paramecium aurelia had learned to approach and cling to a bare wire coated with food. Jensen contended that the animals were merely responding to environmental stimuli which caused an automatic (unlearned) response to cling to objects. The controversy remains as does the controversy concerning the association between wings and/or bars and a pilot's personality.
There will always be pilots both with and without uniforms or insignia who are lacking in the general aspects of decorum and deportment and for whom courtesy and kindness are irrelevant virtues. I have yet to hear any of those individuals advocating the use of 'supercilleous-down-the-nose sneers', arrogant, or condescending behavior as a method to acheive rapid customs clearance.
Now gold rope and swords have a myriad of potential uses both in and out of the bedroom.