I dont think respect is earned, lol... that didnt even sound right coming from a person who did soo much research and became a muslim... The first thing that Islam teaches, is giving respect, thats what Prophet Muhammad (saws) did... even to those who were against him.... now logically speaking, they didnt earn the Prophet (saws)'s respect... no one earns respect for being a jerk... 

IF EVERYONE WAS TO TAKE AN EYE FOR AN EYE, THE WHOLE WORLD WOULD'VE BEEN BLIND TODAY - MAHATMA GHANDI