On topic slightly, I went to the bank yesterday to deposit a check. An older man walked up to the teller next to me and says "Hello. It's very nice to see you again." I'm thinking "is it very nice?" (I sort of hate the bank). No sooner do I complete the thought and I hear him continue, "You look incredible today." I look over at his teller. She does not look incredible but she does look happy. Something in his delivery made literally think "damn that is one charming man". He just sounded so sincere in a non-creepy, somehow not over the top way. As we both completed our transactions he reached the door just before me and held it open. I thanked him and he replied "you're welcome. I hope that you have a wonderful day today." You too charming man...
It's people like that can completely turn a persons day around with just one sentence. It does seem to be older folks that pull of the charming persona compared to younger people.
I think it's really tied into how previous generations were socialized, both formally and informally. Civics class and etiquette aren't highly prized at present, even in very small ways. I can't tell you how many times I've encountered someone who has proudly told me in a formal dinner setting that they, "don't even know which fork is which." As an aside, I feel like such people are the ones keeping the Ugly American alive when they travel.
I would imagine also, that the truly charming individual would be able to pull off "the fork misunderstanding" with such aplomb, that others seated near him would happily offer the correct information and feel better for having been able to help Mr. Charming.
To be proud of such a lack of knowledge is equally as bad as being ashamed of it.