Well, first the quote is from Mitsugi Saotome Sensei, "The Principles Of Aikido" (the Aikidofaq had the name of the person being quoted after the quote, not before). Wearing a hakama early or late, both have roots in tradition (as much tradition as you can have from a martial art developed just a few decades ago---this is NOT an ancient martial art with centuries of tradition behind it). Both have pros and cons. The wear of one after your first test (not sooner) is a good starting point for the 'early' crowd, as by that time you know basically how to fall, which I think is one of the big things adding to attrition. But I don't think you should choose a dojo based on what anyone is wearing... not when there are more important factors, like the number of cute available members of the opposite sex