When you get right down to it, UAL is paying you to fly their jets. In doing so, they require you to follow SOP via the FM, FOM, etc.

FOM has uniform protocol. They pay you for a service and expect professionalism. It's really not that hard.

Do I like the hat? Not really. But I'll wear it and not let stupid vanity dictate my life. I wear it because its required and I'm getting paid to.

Flame on. I don't really care.