I hear ya,, an honor thing I guess.
Sounds like some of those guys were pretty ‘fueled’ well before they ever got to the launch pad. The thought of going out and sitting on top of a humungous launch vehicle might allow for a bit of ‘lubrication’ before one slips in that seat.
Man, I’d do it dead sober. Given the chance, I’d jump into one of those seats in a New York nanosecond.
God speed, Endeavour and the STS-118 crew. Have a great trip.