[aggravated vent mode] It is frustrating to have friends who think that an accepted invitation is a mere placeholder, to be weighed against other, more desirable opportunities. I get really tired, from some younger friends, of this tendency to say "yes" then back out. "I will attend" means "I will attend, unless a funeral, serious illness, or other family emergency arises" not "unless I decide not to." I didn't used to think I was raised any better than most people, but I am increasingly unsure if this assumption was accurate. [/aggravated vent mode]