The thing is that a military uniform is all about uniformity and civilian dress is all about traditional style. It seems to me that length and position of self-tied flashes is fashion; today it is peeking, whereas I recall a time when we wore them longer. I don't think that had anything to do with the cuff depth, just a fashion trend. Perhaps the rebellion of youth. Jock, I do recall once being told to straighten my seams, but that came from a relative I was always fearful of offending, a very powerful woman who loved to command and terrify little boys. My seams have been perfectly lined up ever since.