I was only talking about me, and I'm well aware that most people don't share my views. I view the legal part of marriage as very secondary.

I actually give collaring more weight than marriage. When I accept a slave it puts lots of responsibilities on me which I wouldn't feel as only a married man in a vanilla relationship. Not that I've had one, but anyway. As the rules of marriage are concerned, the two being married are equal. There's very little responsibilities for the other party. There is in time of need, but otherwise not. There's nothing in it about rank. That's why collaring is a bigger deal for me. A Master and slave relationship requires a lot more understanding, communication and investment.

For me Master and slave isn't a game. S/M can be, or just some D/s play. I'd never let a woman call me Master if I'm not.

edit: ...and as far as combining them is concerned. That's the only way for me. I wouldn't call it so much luck as persistence.