Not true, we've played in hoops for most of the last 30 years. If we go off this (http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Darling ... ington.htm), the club has a long association with hooped shirts. For around 45 years up to the mid-50s we played in hoops, changed to all-white shirts for about 35 years. Then for about 15 years we had various designs, including hoops and for the last 15 years, we've almost exclusively played in hoops.
Our successful seasons in the late 80s/early 90s were in hoops. Also, when have we had a good season when we haven't played in hoops? 2009/10 and 11/12 were the worst seasons I can remember.
It's not difficult to see why many people, particularly the younger supporters, see it as being part of the club's identity. And it's these younger supporters in particular we need to engage if the club is to have a viable future (not to say older supporters aren't important, but without an engaged younger fanbase now, the club's fanbase will diminish in future, catastrophic for a club that relies on supporters for its finances). And a big part of engaging supporters is making them feel part of something. That's where the identity comes into it.
Denying supporters the chance even to vote on an option of hoops out of fear it might be popular, is short-sighted for a club that's supposedly about the supporters.