Well, I must say I don't understand why they're doing this.
It's just armor or a star next to your name.
I prefer my plain Mk. VI and my 7th Column nameplate, thank you very much.
EDIT: Also, do the flames only work with the Haunted Helmet, or can you apply them to any helmet?
If you can't, prepare to go back to the fishbowl era but this time even worse...