<< But it seemed strange that instructions had been issued at all, and stranger still that they were generally obeyed. It is, but when it is mandated it ceases

<< But it seemed strange that instructions had been issued at all, and stranger still that they were generally obeyed. It is, but when it is mandated it ceases to be courtesy ( it may still remain etiquette as that is mandated and enforced by society depending on definition used ); it becomes a forced behavior. That said, I still prefer the example you gave. I used to cringe internally over forced small talk in US ( "how are you", "fine/great/would complain, but -- no one listens" response ), but I kinda argue it is better than the weird 'everyone is out to get me; don't talk to me' approach from the old country. As always, but.. just because I prefer it now, does it mean I can reasonably "expect" it?