Differences in assumptions of how the Phantoms "news" would spread.
I think people would know, in that word of mouth. Space myths. Bar talks.
Whispers and such.
You're taking the stance that it would be hushed up?
They're relatively small, and the only mile stone that Sirius saw was the ashes of Planet Cambridge...
I'd see the Phantoms as Myths, Ghosts of space.
Aliens, people wouldn't recognise them at first sight and know exactly what they are...
Heck I bet half the people here don't even know any of the Phantom RP.
For example:
Who are 'The Crathygtan'?
Who was Phantom Ember and what significant event was this Phantom responsible for?
Who is Revenant DarkStar, and how do the masters communicate with him?
What is the 'stick-thingy' the Phantoms use to make peoples brains melt and heads leak blood?
I'm fascinated by the Phantom RP and it P*sses me off that it seems to be wasted!
EDIT: And I've never seen you fly Virus, you're a founding father, you know your stuff. Come make me scared...