Most of brothers in my lodge envy the lodges and their members in Europe. Especially after a group of brothers visited a lodge in London, England and spent some quality time with the newly elected WM there (he is a former member of our lodge in the US) they were totally convinced that there was a lot of room for improvement in our lodge. 2 brothers in my lodge are also dual citizens and in summer time they attend the Italian lodges regularly (Well unlike us they don't close for entire Summer either. Imagine that!). Personally I couldn't believe how masons operate in Italy. They way they do things is extremely serious, professional and sophisticated by all means. I was told that it takes about 5 years to become a Master mason in most lodges. Now compare that to some current discussions in some southern jurisdictions here in the US. Some of them are considering a one day "Man to Mason" program. Basically what's going to happen is that you would have no idea what you're doing or what the craft is about but you'd be able to become an EA then FC and finally a MM all in one day !!!! Talk about fast food!!!! It's like a MM on hormones. I strongly disagree with that and consider myself lucky that I'm in a jurisdiction where things are done in an old fashioned and appropriate manner. Quality comes before the quantity and so should it be. I was also shocked when I saw that some jurisdictions didn't have a dress code. I don't think a MM meeting is a gathering that you could attend to when wearing some jeans and t-shirt and casually wear an apron which in that case doesn't mean much. In my lodge if you come to the meeting without a full suit, tie and clean dress shoes you are going back home. No excuses. And I agree with that wholeheartedly.
Well, I for one am one of those who oppose to one day classes for the mere reason -IMHO-that I feel that the newly made brethren are being cheated out of the beauty of the full ritual.
On the other hand, it gives the opportunity to "better" more people and join them in our ranks sooner than expected. The earlier they start their masonic careers, the more they can contribute.
I do agree with you on the importance of proper attire and respect towards the lodge, but this is United States, and culture and perception towards gatherings here are a little different than usual.
I have my own ideas of how the culture, and "privacy" issues effect all walks of life -including the fraternity-in the United States.
If any one is interested, we can start a topic to discuss it.