I think Phil was simply trying to out-wit the wit.

Anyway... If I were to wear feathers in my balmoral I'd go for anything but eagle feathers - as I believe these are they only ones with significance. If you want something similar to a feather hackle without the significance of them being associated with army regiments perhaps you should go for the ostrich feather (grouped) and choose a colour that is not linked with any regiment - or just use the natural grey.