Captain Recess,
You are the owner/operator/master & captain of your vessel. If folks want to refer to you as captain, wear it proudly. Thirty years of experience both in power & sail, you've earned your bars man.
I felt some years ago that I had put in my time and effort & deserved to warrant a captain's license for my personal satisfaction. It took some years for me to feel this confident & I felt it was deserved.
I started out with a six-pack, then up to Master 100T, then Aux Sail & Assistance Towing. I never did this to make money, however I've run sailing/fishing/diving charters on many different boats & enjoyed every minute. And remember, not all captains are created equal; licensed or knot. It's about experience coupled with knowledge & what you have accomplished, be it personal or professional.
My description of a captain would be:
1. Attention to safety.
2. Keeping a seaworthy vessel.
3. Navigational ability.
4. Understanding weather & sea conditions.
5. Sailing/operational ability.
6. Situational emergency ability
7. Electrical & mechanical ability.
This is what a captain IS & DOES.
Hell, if you haven't killed or maimed anyone in 30 years, the term captain or master should fit well & you should welcome the term. There are some licensed captains that cannot make this claim.
CR