Many people are goal driven and attaining Master certification is a great goal, and there's nothing wrong with being acknowledged for doing superior work. Will you make more money because you have the certificate? Probably not if you're an engraver. If you're a master jeweler and you're seeking employment you might get a better salary just as you would if you're an accountant seeking employment and have a master's degree.
Putting an asterisk next to FEGA master's names to indicate they might be less of a master because of prior standards is ridiculous.
Aren't you implying through out this thread that some got through to master's status that shouldn't have?