Ken, if it is in my award, and I am entitled to it, then I consider it rightfully mine to use. You sound so much like a (mis)manager I know who once had a pink fluorescent 'word art' banner above her workstation that read: 'Now targeting: SICK LEAVE'.
It is no longer a privilege to have sick leave.
If you are not getting sick leave, find a better employer.
ALSO, since when were DJ crew all pretty young things parading up and down a catwalk. I suspect some of you have not flown DJ in a few years. The ages, shapes, styles and genders in the cabin are VERY different now.
I've worked at both - to be honest every person walks out of training, factory set to a consistent standard of service and safety knowledge and ability. How well that person takes to the sky is soley dependent on their 'life experience' and 'people skills', and safe to say that in real emergencies or in situations involving physically aggressive passengers, the better results tend to come from those more seasoned 'hags' and all us 'elton john wannabes' you so lovingly refer to.