Let's see here... (my opinions only, of course
)
>to prevent other photographers gear-checking on you
Those that care enough will ask anyway.
>to let people think your /enter less popular brand-name here/ is a Nikon (if they don't recognise it by its design)
Sure
>to avoid annoying questions about your gear, even if it raises other questions about why the tape coverings
Again, those that care enough will ask, and now you have the addition of those that wonder about the tape.
>not to let brand names show as reflections in close-up photography of reflective objects
Probably the most legit one
>not to let your camera brand show in other photographers' photos
Sure
>not to appear as a walking advertisement board (incl. two previous list items)
Sure
>to possibly prevent impulse-driven thievery
lol
>to possibly prevent robbery of known and wanted brand in places where networked criminals show up after being informed by the little ones about your gear.
see above
>not to scare wild-life with the shining white logos on black surface
I guess, if you're all camo'd up you would cover the white bits too.
>in situations when you are already marketing or otherwise tied to another brand (toothpaste or car-maker etc.) which happens not to be the brand of your camera.
Not really relevant, as it happens with all brands in advertising. Unless you work in marketing of [random company] and have a personal camera, in which case it doesn't really apply. Or if you work for another brand of camera, in which case LOL.