Hey Jack, it never ceases to amaze me, the lengths a Piper has to go to, to disguise the fact that he is indeed a Piper.
Mind you, sneaking off in disguise, to foreign countries is a bit extreme though isn't it?
After all, there are still a few wild, isolated areas of the UK you could go & hide in, aren't there! :-)

Darwin, some new things are obviously more easily accepted than others.
For example I'm quite happy with the Square Concertina despite the fact that it doesn't "look the same".
At least it is an honest instrument, not pretending to be something it isn't!
I've no problem with colour either .... as long as it's black! :-)
No, just joking, there are some gorgeous old Concertinas with a variety of beautiful rare wood veneers.
As for being prepared to spend time & money on something new, I've only recently taken up the English Concertina, after 35+ years playing many other instruments, & I've spent a small fortune on 2 gorgeous old Wheatstones, so believe me, I'm always up for a 'worthwhile' challange!

Cheers
Dick