newbee – I wasn’t referring to somebody who doesn’t have the necessary qualities to define himself as a Talmid Chochom. Such a person, even in an official capacity there is no binding reason to call him ‘Rabbi’. I am talking about somebody who does suit the description. And your ‘chiyuv’ to call him by a suitable title is dependant on the social norm. If it is the accepted thing to call a Rabbi that, then it shows a lack of respect if you do not. And because of your chiyuv to respect a Talmid Chochom, it makes no difference if it suits you or not.
Your second point – that ??????? there is no chiyuv to respect a Talmid Chochom – is incorrect. The Mishne in Avos says that even somebody who teaches you ???? ??? must be given the Titles of Honour when you address him. (Now your obvious retort is going to be that this is only to somebody who taught you; but a Talmid Chochom who isn’t your Rebbe doesn’t command that respect. I am just bringing out the point that one doesn’t have to hit a certain level in order to command respect.)
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