I know from recent Announcements that this is a de facto forbidden topic; but, I have to know (since I've never been witness to the reputed madness that the subjects of "flat caps" and "white hose" ellicit... I'm a relative newbie here, so please keep your responses factual and breif if possible (so that the Moderators will not have to intervene before I can get read the information I'm seeking)

So... What is it about Flat Caps and White Hose that generates so much controversy? Just summarize the positions of the various parties, without any vitriol if you please.