Beagle - quoting others who agree with you does not make your views any more relevant or sensible on this topic. Laws and rules and regulations are usually there for the lowest common denominator - eg most people know that driving drunk is a bad idea, but there is a law for all.
Alcohol is a part of Service life, but less than when you served. Your reminiscing about those rather far back in a theatre drinking is a long way from current ops for most. I used to despise working for 'old school' senior officers who would often have a pint or two at lunchtime - it was offensive and divisive and plain embarrassing.