Yeah, Earskins are great! When I first saw them I thought there was no way they were strong enough to hold anyone's earlobe open, I was wrong. I now own about 9 pairs in different colors. I don't have any problems switching from the Earskins to metal or organic. They are thin too, so there is less heat buildup, therefore less ear funk.
In addition to body piercing, the retail job I spoke of is ironically for Hot Topic. They are actually a great company to work for, they helped me support myself financially through my apprenticeship. If I didn't have to quit halfway through my apprenticeship, I would have celebrated 8 years with the company last March. They are in the fortune 500 best companies to work for
Moshing and big lobes can be a recipe for disaster. If you have 1" or higher you can actually remove the plug and loop your earlobe over the cartilage of your ear and keep them protected that way (also advisable to do this in very cold temperatures). Otherwise I have seen Kaos selling silicon plugs that are one completely solid piece. I would advise that, squishy, yet nobody will accidentally get their finger stuck in your earlobe.
It's not a revolution, it's a lifestyle.