great discussion guys - I agree with the whole label thing. They are just labels.
If it works for you then fab!
Doesn't for me.
Couple of thoughts bouncing around in my head - let me share them:

First, alot of the reiki masters that I do know of and sometimes come across due to passing of paths who def do not feel like reiki masters. Vibrationally and who that person is in their personal development etc is just not on the level that it should be. The trouble with reiki over the years is that any tom dick or harry has done it cause it was the movement.
The thing to do.
What was created were these weekend retreats etc...which I know infuriates me and I'm sure gets to some of you guys too.
And out of all that - reiki has 'lost' some of its...ummm...don't have a clue what word to use...but maybe finesse?
Too explain more: When you say you are a reiki master, a couple of years ago, ppl would say, "Wow thats really wonderful! - what an honour!"
Now you say you are a reiki master and you get the feeling of a rolling of eyes and a thought of "not another one".
YET,
Even if someone is not using reiki the way it was intended, I am just so darn glad that so many ppl are attuned. As even though they do not know it - it has changed their lives and will continue too for long into the future.
So with that thought kept in mind, I love the fact that there are so many reiki practitioners out there.
I am currently on reiki ||.

I was taught in a way, to keep things simple and not to make a big thing about all things spiritual.
Going with that - then the symbol thing is the symbol thing. You don't need to be attuned inorder to use a symbol.
The actual image only works because it has gained meaning over years and years of ppl giving it a specific meaning. I was told to research ALL symbols and to feel them. 'Know' what they stand for etc
I think I many be going on in circles here...but what I guess I am trying to say, is that symbols are there to be used as a tool, you don't have to be level 4 only to use those symbols. No one has to attune you to any level of any Spiritual Practise in order for you to use 'their' symbols.
Sigh...I could not explain that very well...

I also really liked what you had to say Kali about actually raising your vibration to the symbols vibration/attunement vibartion, in order to pass on the symbols/attunement...make perfect sense.
And was a penny dropping moment for me today! Thanx.

have a great day everyone!

Rose Red
I think you have put it very nicely. No need to sigh you have expressed your point of views with which I agree totally.
I am level II practitioner and all this hoo-haa about titles and symbols........ I sometimes forget to do the symbols during a healing session, only to realise half way through..... Now how has that impaired my intent to give healing? I dont think in any way.