If anyone here is a Sailor and has some experiences with this, it'd help a little. Basically, they shove it into our little booter heads that the ESWS and EAWS not only boosts chances at promotion (undeniably true), but also the way we're treated. I'm not saying 'newbies' are treated horribly, but they're talking like swabbing and mindless cleaning is completely out of the question once you get one of these babies. I haven't been able to find out myself- all Seamen (or Firemen, in my case) that I know of don't have it. Hell, alot of PO3s don't have it.
Realistically, are Seamen/Firemen/Airmen treated much different if they have it?

yeah, they are, but to a certain point. Those that have it, announce to all, that they choose to do what it takes to move forward in the Navy. Those pins don't arrive in a box of crackerjack. I used to really piss off some of my squids that worked for me when I'd ask them if thats where they got theirs!