Here's another perspective... have any of us ever been given acceptable reasons for adhering to a particular dress code when the nature of the business isn't enough to validate the code? For example... Obviously, if I'm interfacing with external clients all the time, I'm representing the company and therefore need to make a professional appearance. On the other hand, if I'm holed up in a computer room and crawling under desks to fix cables and such, why should I have to wear my nice clothes? I think it's helpful when the company provides reasons for adhering to a certain level of dress.