To the OP, I just started using a pony the middle of this year and to be honest I wrestled with the same fear. Looking different from everyone else, looking like a tech wanna-be, looking like a dork. In all my dives I have never dived with anyone using a pony except for one person with a SpareAir. It's just not seen here, much less one being slung. Gosh, I'm gonna stand out.
However, for most of my diving I had a regular dive buddy. I don't now. It is necessary, so after much thought and research I decided on a AL19. I was more nervous on the 1st dive with it for the comments than the actual dive with it, but nothing. No negative comments. A few questions on what it is and why. Even a few new divers after the dive liked it and want to get one, so it seems it has got a few of them thinking at least.
My advice, don't worry about it. They won't even notice and if they do, likely not negatively. Especially at the dive locations that see them frequently. Anyway, no need to really care. Just dive with it.
I was lucky enough that my BCD at the time, a Sherwood Avid had a hip D-ring, so I could sling it and I'm happy I went that direction. With the AL19 I do not notice it at all, so with a 13cf it will be the same.
I have since changed BCD and this video below was the 1st time with this new BCD. The operator was fascinated with the BCD and shot this video. I've made a few minor adjustment since. However, it does show the pony.
