Status can be conferred in lieu of extra pay :) In all seriousness, symbols of status are important in the military, and not just to stroke the top guy's ego.

Status can be conferred in lieu of extra pay :) In all seriousness, symbols of status are important in the military, and not just to stroke the top guy's ego. They reinforce the notion of hierarchy, which is something without which you lose battles you might have won. Besides, if there's any people who know how to prepare for and execute surface warfare, it's you British. Clearly you've done something right over the years.