I imagine they have watered it down so much these days that it is just stupid, but...I have always thought that there were many men who straightened their backs with pride at having become a Shellback...especially on their second crossing when they get to descend on the Pollywogs!
Hahaha...I'll bet nowadays they get Thai fish sauce as a main component of the "drink" they give in the ritual, and use it heavily. It tastes fine in small amounts in food, but taking a sniff from a bottle smells like the Olongapo River!
But I did get one of these:
A pale substitute indeed.
As for the Aussies? Reading the article, it sounded more like they were concerned the swimming leg would be dropped and that is probably a strong component for the Aussies, but they also probably didn't want an asterisk next to them if they win or place. I get that, and would probably insist upon it too. But I'll bet they also want to do it to show how tough they are, and weed out the "weak sisters"...:)