Exactly. You have made very good points. I think even our parents want us to be independent, not submissive. That's why our parents spend their life savings in our education. I dont know that why we are scared to change things once we know it is not good for us.
When we make things personal, we may feel more connected. However, it could also be emotionally overwhelming at times. The disagreements will be hard to handle.
I believe respect has to be mutual between two people. Then only people can feel equal and express freely. It could be awkward to adress people by their first name in the first meeting, so it is ok to be little polite and add 'ji' at the end of the name, just like people use salutation in the western culture, like Mr., Mrs. As you have already addressed that we can only reach our potential, when we start to think freely.