They don't recognise him as a Freelancer because of his uniform. It's because he's not wearing the uniform of any company.
In The Republic Mod, I plan to have a Freelancer faction. Their ships will travel alone, and I will try to make them have different ships Chances are they will only be in the Republic/Imperial systems.
Only if I get a LOT of requests for them to fly in Sirius, then I'll put them into the Sirius systems

Leader of the Republic Mod Team. http://republicmod.proboards32.com
"Criminal Organisations don't just spring up overnight. It's a conspiracy" - overheard on a a Liberty comm frequency

A FL faction defies the whole point of being a Freelancer. --- VH16

I am Nobody; Nobody is Perfect; Therefore, I am Perfect

The faction will be called "Freelancer" however, they will travel alone, in different ships, and when you hail them I'll try and record some voices so they say: "This is Freelancer Foxtrot Five Dash Three" or "Freelancer Alpha Two Dash One."
So it will be as if there really are Freelancers.

Leader of the Republic Mod Team. http://republicmod.proboards32.com
"Criminal Organisations don't just spring up overnight. It's a conspiracy" - overheard on a a Liberty comm frequency