Serious question about Belts.?

I, myself, profess the uselessness of them. In fact I have a Black belt in Aikido and am serious in B.J.J., Kali and MMA. I am aware that I, in some circles, am reguarded as ignorant and a few other things. I know how I feel about what a "Black Belt" in a martial art is. What I would really like to know, from those who profess the importance in them, what is required to gain such statis. Be very specific please. Attitude, Skill, what is it that you think makes a black belt vs. something else. Some kata requirements, specific tech. I know that it is diff. for everyone, etc. Tell me, in your point of view by your standards, from your system etc. What makes you a black belt. How does a holder of a black belt diff., if any, from say someone who stays with a system for many years, trains just as hard as anyone else yet care nothing for the belt. Please be as specific as you poss. can. To me this is a very important question. I take this as or more serious than any I have asked.