I don't want to sound overly argumentative, but might be useful if you could give some reasonsTheDhamma wrote: That is great (in my opinion) that the UK monks have adapted and acknowledge the greeting of the lay person.
why it might be considered "great". In what ways does it make the teaching of Dhamma and interaction with lay people more effective? How does it help the lay people and the monks? How does it aid liberation?
In addition to what I said above about mindfulness, from my point of view the Sangha is an inspiration a role model (obviously "role model" is a slightly problematic term in this case, but role model in the sense of restraint, compassion, etc). I don't go to make offerings or talk to Monks to "have a good time with my mates", I can do that elsewhere.
I don't mean that I expect them to be unfriendly. The monks I know actually joke quite a lot (in the approprate circumstances), acknowledge me with motions of the eyes or head, and will often initiate physical contact. I think it's a reasonable balance.
Metta
Mike