You claim he isn't passing judgment by pointing out he is commenting on behavior; but then you follow that up with his interpretation of that behavior, which is

You claim he isn't passing judgment by pointing out he is commenting on behavior; but then you follow that up with his interpretation of that behavior, which is a judgment. I also think he happens to have made the wrong judgment. People talk about the Uber badge not because it is familiar or important to them, but because it is a conversation starter that is safe. A conversation about a medal earned during war time is not a "safe" conversation. It can lead to a lot of uncomfortable places.