Wow, you're pretty hardcore, FRiend. That, or you have many more years behind you than I do...:-)
That being said, I firmly believe that shorts are fine given the situation (assuming the shorts are clean and presentable). Khaki shorts are dressy enough to be worn in a multitude of situations, whereas denim shorts should be worn for only much less formal situations.
Back when, my legs would have been all torn up wearing shorts as much as I crawled through brush and dirt etc... That said I have gotten lazy in my old age and don’t wear starched jeans very much anymore.