I agree (so far as GA is concerned.....Part 135 and 121 is a different ballgame though) about that. The only reason I pay attention to the ICAO rules and know them so well is because my research involves countries outside of North America and also because of my desire to travel to the Caribbean and South America once I get my plane built.
Will do about the raising a glass. Where are you that you can't have a beer or other drink?