An SRP request having increased standards than the simple English engagement message does not automatically imply that any non-SRP roleplay is inferior. It acts merely as a filter to keep only those with genuine interest and good intentions in.
It also is not a mythical e-peen prolongation device. Some players are okay with building their roleplay within the allowances that a normal ID may provide, and others could expand theirs by requesting an unusual setup (i.e. a battleship when your ID can only fly cruisers maximum).
Getting an approved SRP also does not require you to write a bestseller that makes the entire world name their unborn child after you.
The researcher ID is something to pursue if you attach certain gameplay elements to it. Otherwise, from a pure gameplay aspect the Spec Ops ID would probably work just fine. On the other hand, it makes dealing with other players easier. From the mental side, the researcher label is something that shows the other player that you are not going to insta them and immediately feel more open to RP. A similar experience can be observed when flying around with K'Hara ID compared to Nomad Trial ID, whereas with the latter players appear to be less likely to attack you preemptively.
Players who focus solely on roleplay that does not involve PvP (which is what is described when talking about "Hardcore RPers", not quality or quantity of ones roleplay) can acquire this neat little perk with less restrictions. Abiding to lazy players who feel entitled to have any toy on the server without having to work for it is not something I would recommend, so I greatly welcome giving the researcher ID lots of allowances in return for making it SRP only.