(Working my way through replies since my last post)
Raven: Alright, I'll find a way to work it in. c: I don't forsee a lot of such incidents at Kumo, since people are generally great at gently encouraging people to pop up on stage when their character is called up.
RozenMaiden_Girl: While you obviously didn't know the extent of the situation, try to avoid such situations in the future. As it isn't just America 'overblowing' it. We don't want to show a negative attitude towards flag etiquette, as other countries do place a lot of value onto flags, and there is a pretty vocal backlash should such behavior make it to the internet.
KyoKyo866: Honestly, I'd rather have this 'hateful energy' from discussing it and getting it laid out on the table, then have a full-out incident occur. YES, there are people who do probably take such an attitude to extreme levels, but it is better to be safe for nothing, than sorry for something.
Essentially, I'm not asking for, or expecting, everyone to be godlike. Just show respect for the flag (and your fellow cosplayers), and nothing bad should/will happen.