Not Sure I Like That...
......... Sorry PN but I'm not sure I can agree with you.
In a social setting, the use of the word 'Sir' - in UK speak but not USA speak - is too formal. Until you are familar with the 'senior officer', the use of the (former) rank is polite and will be appreciated: 'Mr' will not.
Some people are happy to be called 'Boss', others not so. I still call my doctor; 'Doctor', my animals' Vet; 'Mrs' and the principal of the school where I pretend to be an RAFVR(T) officer - despite my antiquity - 'Headmaster'. When they say; 'old duffer, do call me Algernon', I shall do so.
As with others who use this site, I still encounter the odd cove who I would gladly see boiled alive but I still try to be civil. It all comes down to one thing: GOOD MANNERS!!