Very good points, especially about contextualizing people.
I read a recent story about Andrew Yang, the tech guy and former presidential candidate, said he found it so odd when people recognized him in public even when he was wearing jeans instead of his professional jacket. Because most people didn't. Even though he was very famous during the last presidential election.
Found the story.
Andrew Yang: "This was particularly surprising to me because I was wearing jeans and a hoodie. The fact that people recognized me out of my campaign uniform of a blazer and dress shirt was shocking to me. My favorite was when a young woman came up to me and said, “Are you Andrew Yang? No, no, you’re not,” and then walked away."
When I Ran for President, It Messed With My Head
She could not see Andrew Yang in that context so her brain ruled it out for her. Something similar could be happening with BL if he has changed his appearance at all.