Pretty sure the reason privates press the uniform and shine the boots is the fact that MGT is in their face if they don't (God forbid the Chief should see them let alone the Sgt leading them)

Unless you've been flying the trip with the various pilots being judged, you've got absolutely no idea when they arrived for duty, whether it's the beginning of their day or the end, whether they're working or trying to commute home after a 12 hour day. No idea whether they looked pretty good until they did that pre-flight in the rain, taking the time to make sure the plane was safe to fly and getting soaked rather than doing the run around just to fill the square.

I would rather have an individual who is professional in his approach to work and less than stellar in his appearance than the one who is anal retentive in his appearance and lackadaisical in his approach to work.

An individual who is professional in their demeanor doesn't need the crutch of a perfectly starched shirt to present a professional appearance.

There's a reason the expression "Don't judge a book by it's cover" has been around for so long.

I do agree the IPOD through the terminal is less than professional. I don't think it is unprofessional in appearance, but, IMO-those wearing the phones are effectively hiding from interacting with the populace to avoid all the stupid where's the bathroom, baggage claim, all the idiotic questions ad infinitum.
At the same time, the headphones are likely a good breather for those folks who need the stress relief....if for no other reason than to avoid telling the pax what they really think. And no doubt in language that would be less than professional.