A question regarding a clan badge

[Bugbear]

The downside, if there is one, is that at a distance of even a few feet your "light weight" USMC cap badge looks very much like the circlet used to surround the crest of an armiger.

As a student of heraldry, Jake, I don't care for your tone here. There are a number of people, such as the Society of Scottish Armigers and others who "know and care" about heraldry.

I recognise many in this country may be unaware of the nuances of heraldry, but I see that as a chance for education, especially people attending Scottish cultural events. After all, if we Americans are going to "play Scotsmen", then we should at least be aware of and respect the traditions, such as heraldic devices.

I think Rathdown made an interesting observation that shouldn't be discounted so easily.

Todd

Well... Then... If one were going to design and have made a non-clan cap badge, what elements should be on the badge?
Better yet, which elements should one avoid incorperating into the design of the non-clan badge?