I had heard the correct interpretation of Paul's statement was essentially "follow me in the same way I am following Christ", ie "I am imitating Christ so you should too", not that he was saying "do what I say because I am the archbishop of Corinth" or whatever.
But if we take that view we lose a lot of justification for our fancy hats and gold embroidered robes (or fancy suits and hankerchiefs and ties?)
