If I'm not mistaken, you are trying to find out what the differences between skating/being paper and pledging.......
In greek "slang" a person who skates or just signs the dotted line is someone who joins an organization strictly though MIP (membership intake process). Without going into technicalities, this usually consists of an application, interview, and other LEGAL activities.
Someone who pledges or goes on line, goes the ILLEGAL route to join. (I'll leave it at that!)
I cant tell you what people will find more respectable because there are people that believe in MIP and those that dont.
And as far as the issue of legacy, there are thousands of households that have different affiliations running through them. You do whats best for you and you will get respect. Joining something that's truly not in your heart will not be a beneficial to you or that sorority!