This is exactly why Naval Aviators get in trouble, be it a C-172, T-34, or whatever. You still have to respect the airplane, no matter how basic it may be.
You're absolutely right. I didn't, by any means, mean that I'd go to some FBO, "hot dog" it, and sign autographs afterward for all the lowly CFIs. I just meant that CFI's generally have expectations for a new pilot with limited experience, and it'd be funny to have them coach and demo me through a manuever, and then I'd complete the maneuver at a much higher level of proficiency than they expected. It'd be fun to watch their surprise/confusion.
Before I go flying, whether it's a cessna, a T-34 or a -60, I'm going to brief it, whether it's my own brief for passengers, or a NATOPS brief for the crew. I would never just hop in with little planning and start yanking and banking thinking I'm Chuck Yeager.
And thinking about how "proficient" I was as an 80 hour private pilot, and how much better a pilot I am now as a 250 hour military pilot (330TT), I feel like I would ease back into the Cessna rather quickly, but obviously with a latent humility.