It does still happen ... FZjr was holding as a newly minted Plt Off in MB, the department he was working in was headed by a 1* and junior was the gofer. Years later, junior was on a stand at RIAT when the 1*, now with more **s, polled up with full entourage and greeted him as an old friend and merrily chatted away much to the consternation of all the 'nodders'.
I believe the gentleman concerned went on to be HMs rep. down your neck of the woods MPN11.