What else can we define as a 'style'?

[Kromm]

Originally Posted by Mgellis

Even if the only thing offered by the perk are social benefits--you know a few people, the fact that you know people can open other doors for you at times, etc.--that's reasonable, but there should be a reason why someone needs a style instead of simply needing a skill.

This social angle is the real-world focus of what GURPS calls "styles." A "style" represents the minimum training expected and often tested for by some group that's in a position to make sure you don't get work, or at least very good work, unless you do things their way. Most such "styles" could swap the Style Familiarity perk for a Courtesy Title, License, Office, or Permit perk. In essence, the right skills – and possibly certain techniques and perks – would become prerequisites to earning the qualification. Upon attaining the qualification, doors would open socially, and in many cases you would be cleared to receive "advanced training" that teaches other techniques and perks that are nominal secrets: stage-magic tricks, commercial trade secrets, military tactics, crypto schemes, etc.