Perceived rank / history plays a big part in life, not just in aviation.
I have been out of uniform a long time now and deal with large retail outlets. These have store , regional and area managers. Most often need to be told what to do otherwise they are either reluctant to act for fear of being the one carrying the buck if it goes wrong, or just won't listen to someone who in their eyes is subordinate.
However, if I write to them as "UK Operations Manager..." the job gets done; works every time.
How someone else sees you really governs the rate at which you get help or hindrance. If wearing gold bars gets you fueled up with less hassle then it is worth it.
Not wishing to stray off topic but there is another thread on PPRUNE about an individual who unjustly wears RAF Pilot wings. Some argue that it is just a harmless token but I bet it has given them far more credibility than they are entitled to (or deserve).