You make a valid point intellectually. But it stinks to make it an issue as it's been the formal mode of address since the USA was founded. The military is an entirely different creature in America, (i.e. we Americans have never had a military takeover). We choose our leaders by vote. 
   It stinks because it diminishes former presidents, and it reeks right now because our most recent former president is from a long marginalized class of Americans.
  If ya'll can't follow that, let me put it to you in Confederate speak. 
"cuz he's a Negro"