That’s about right. Although as @usna1985 mentions, they are technically part of the uniform. I’d say the majority of mids don’t wear stars on their blues every day because it’s a bit tacky and kind of like bragging (not really, but that is how it’s perceived). However, there is a time and place. I’m sure everyone has a set of blues with all applicable awards pinned on for situations where it would matter. Same for SDBs. Adjudications and IPO interviews are notorious for annihilating mids who aren’t wearing proper stars/awards.The other side of the coin could be that it represents more things to buy at the uniform store and more things to keep track of on your uniform for inspection. Are the stars in the right place? Are they straight? Multiple uniforms...more work.
Interestingly, PRT max pins are worn almost universally by those who max the test. There’s a weird dynamic here that it’s ok to struggle academically, but not ok to struggle physically. Similarly, it’s ok to wear a prt max pin, but not ok to wear a pin commending grades (among other things).