I guess I was lucky. When I sat for my exams (hating tests, I took all 4 elements at once), the VEs were supportive of everyone and, while strictly inforcing the rules, they were clearly cheering us all on. Being the only idiot sitting for all 4 elements, I was all by myself at the end. When the test was checked and rechecked and I passed, there were high fives from everyone. Not a word about Extra Lite or any of that nonesense..instead, several of the VEs wanted to know what rig I was getting and did I want a sked. Class act.
On the air, I've met a few who have made wisecracks about Extra Lites, but not many. When it happens, I try to remember that it is THEIR problem, not mine. Remarakbly no one has made wisecaracks about my ugly mrose sending.. and that is something that clearly deserves anything any one wants to say about it. <grin>
Keep the faith and remember, most hams are going to be supportive, most of the remainder simply don't care one way or another and few emotionally reatarded ones will demonstrate their arrested development. Have pity on them.
73
Paul AB0SI