I'd be surprised that anyone who has gained the qualifications necessary to earn a living from flying, would then deny ever having been a professional flyer?
Don't know about that, I've got a CPL and never ever considered flying for reward. In FAA land the CPL is not a big deal, its really just a glorified PPL check ride with a few chandels and lazy 8's thrown in. The Instrument and Instructor tickets on the other hand require a bit effort.
The only time I trumpet the Commercial Pilot thingy is in the pub and usually around birds who are thinking Boeing while I know all along its C172.
