Splitting this in two so I don't make too long a post.

Incidentally, those of you who may have noticed I'm a firm believer in "sir and ma'am," "Mr. or Mrs./Miss," I do see why it's polite. When someone addresses me as ma'am, I feel like they're acknowledging that I'm a competent adult member of society, but "sweetie" or "young lady" makes me feel talked down to, like I'm a child. Therefore I think it's a good idea to make those things a general practice.