By George, I think he's got it! Absolutely correct, IMO - and Asutralains pride themselves on their egalitarianism, which sometimes comes at you as being "mate-y" friendly and helpful, or sometimes seems to be uncaring and distinctly unhelpful because the Aussie in question avoids trying to appear subservient - or reponds to what s/he considers a "tall poppy."

American Airlines is, well, American. So, we get variable service, for one. And at a BA lounge, it's "please show the card." (In Latin America, titles, cards, etc. count for much, and it would not occur to an employee to bend, break or interpret the rules - that's only for top managers, unless a title trumps all.)