Since this thread has gone the route of "what do you think about cops" I will weigh in.
Farva, I get that it's frustrating to you to be lumped in with the crappy cops. Sorry, but there are a ton of crappy cops out there giving you a bad name. I for one, don't like cops. Every time I get pulled over, I am extreme;y respectful, yes sir, no sir, all the way. I almost never get warnings, and usually get tickets. That's fine, because I speed, so i accept that. BUT, every single time I have had to call the cops, every time they came up woefully short. One for auto theft, once for having my car vandalized, another time when thieves were casing apartments in our complex, and at a few accidents where the other person was at fault. Every single time, the cops involved did jack and shit, and in the process either made it clear they'd rather not be there or gave me shit for being the victim of a crime. So I always hear cops respond with, "yeah you bitch and moan, until you need us." Well, I bitch and moan even then, because every time I've needed a cop, what i got was a glorified ticket mill who would rather be out there padding his stats with tickets than protecting and serving.
I've known other cops personally. I didn't like them either. Played hockey with a cop on my team this past season. he loved to tell his "funny" stories about the people he pulled over and gave tickets to, or if a chick was hot, he'd let her go. I hated that guy, a total douchebag. Laughing off people who's day got ruined with a ticket, deserved or not. I hated his stories, I hated his face, and he was a shitty hockey player to boot.
Now that being said, I do not pass judgment on individuals. As a group, i hate cops. hate them. Sorry Frava. However, I give every single individual cop the benefit of the doubt, and the respect his or her position warrants. Prove themselves to be a good cop and a good dude, and I won't lump them in with the cops I hate. I give every individual a chance, because stereotypes have a kernel of truth but don't apply to the individual until they prove it does.
Farva, you seem like a really good dude. Personally, I wouldn't lump you in with the cops I described. But I certainly haven't met too many that have shown your attitude. It's a shame, because if there were more cops like that, I'd have a much more favorable view of you ladies and gents as a whole.
All that beings said, I totally get the gear issue. Seriously guys, try shooting a handgun in a leather jacket. Especially one made for riding. Way too restrictive. These guys need to be able to hop off the bike and run someone down. Ain't happening in gear. So to the highway bike cops, I do say kudos for risking your skins for the job you do.