In our school there is a "sash" grading system which is very well defined and is clearly set out on paper for each of the 8 sash grades to black so that you know what is basically required for each.
It is therefore consistent for all students and shows a clear progression from basic techniques to more advanced. The syllabus for each new grade always retains elements of the previous grade so that a true progression is maintained.
It's true that belts mean nothing overall - but at least in a system like this you know that whoever has the belt/sash has studied the same things as you and has achieved the same things you are trying to.
I therefore don't see the sash as being a bad thing in this type of structured teaching system.
It becomes very bad when there is no clearly defined structure to the system and sash grades are awarded with very little apparent consistency. In this event they really do become meaningless.
I suppose the real answer I'm suggesting is that the sash is a reflection of the sifu. If the system and sifu are respected then your sash grade should be respected.
However, at the end of the day the sash means nothing unless you are true to yourself and recognise your own true level within the art you study.
"We had a thing to settle so I did him"
Tamai, 43, was quoted by Police as saying.