Not an ethical question at all. It's a question of style.
Style1.a manner of doing something; a way of painting, writing, composing, building, etc., characteristic of a particular period, place, person, or movement; a way of using language and a way of behaving or approaching a situation that is characteristic of or favored by a particular person.
2.a distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed.
Ethic: moral principles that govern a person's or group's behavior.
As a trad climber, I discuss of ethic. The way one person use the principles to have a distinctive appearance is more a style.
For example, I saw a guy climbing without helmet thin air in wet condition. It is his style and I don't say any thing, it is not important for the community what ever happen.
If someone say that every body should not wear an helmet to be a bold climber....or to impress women.... I will say that it is more a question of ethic. Morally, we have to have moral principles to protect the majority of the climber...not to make restriction to the climber.