Marc - I would suggest that "Formal Optional" is not an entirely meaningless alternative.

Although it is true that one has always had the option of dressing up more than the particular evening's stated dress code, there are likely many people who would feel a bit uncomfortable "bucking the system" in that fashion, as far as fashion goes.

Formal Optional provides a nice excuse to put on the fancy duds without having to explain to everyone that: (1) It's your anniversary; (2) It's your birthday; (3) It's your poodle's birthday; (4) You just like to dress up once in a while; or (5) You learned to tie that damned bow tie and, by all that is holy, you're going to show the world!! (That last one was the only reason I ever wanted to wear my tux...)

Formal Optional offers a smooth social solution for dressing up without having to justify doing so to the riff-raff (like me, who will be always Elegant Casual) who might ask why someone is dressed like a penguin.

Frankly, I think that it's a clever and elegant (pun intended) approach to the dress code issue. I must admit that I am not convinced that Regent marketing was really aware of that subtle "permission to dress up" issue when they made the decision, as our previous experience with Regent marketing has not been overwhelmingly overwhelming. However, in this case, since I am delighted with the new policy, I will happily assume that Regent marketing considered those subtle issues of social dynamics and made the decision with those social dynamics in mind.

Lordie, in any event, social dynamics or not, we will be merrily Tuxless on T-Devil (aka Dingo).