"Why don't people recognize Link in TOTK" bc everyone imagines the legendary swordsman to be built like Ganondorf and Link doesn't bother correcting anyone bc being hailed as a hero is like on the bottom of his priorities, which are topped by things like "Bake one of every pie"
Rando farmer: They say that once the noble hero of legend passed by this very village! Isn't that wonderful to imagine, genderfluid stranger?
Link, 5'6" with 2" heels and wearing a backless dress suspiciously stained with blood: no yeah that's wild
it does have precedent. in BOTW it was explicitely stated that having to hold up the expectations of a legendary hero contributed to his anxiety and muteness. being able to divorce himself from being the legendary hero probably eases that a bit since he doesnt have to be a public figure anymore