I don't think there's any way to make a blanket statement about the lifestyle. It could be that those who prefer subtleties just don't get as much attention. For example, I remember reading about a female executive who is a sub at home. She wore simple, thin gold bracelets and anklets every day that were given to her by her Dom - subtle enough to escape the notice of most people, but something that had a lot of meaning to her.
We all take what we want and leave the rest. I think there are as many variations on expression as there are people.