1. Akuperma, there is no issur of behukoteihem where there is a logical reason for the practice, as with doctors wearing white coats to identify themselves as doctors (*Rema Yoreh Deah 178:1).
2. Hakatan,
a. Rav Kotler also called a certain rav an am ha’aretz. When the Satmar rebbe became upset he was calmed down by someone who told him that Rav Kotler said “am ha’aretz like he said “apikoros”.
b. How do you show your respect for those who have fallen? Do you even say the mi sheberach for those who baruch Hashem are still alive (Akuperma is also invited to answer)?