This sort of thing aggravates me! When gather I put on tunes and turn off game sound. That means unless I happen to glance down at chat, it is unlikely I will know anyone is even talking.

While gathering, I have had people open trade with me, or try to add me as a friend, etc. I find out later it is because they thought I MIGHT be a bot - IF they even bother answering me. Some of these folks have their chat set to block all tells except from friends. In this case I have started reporting THEM for harassment!!! If you want to be my friend or trade with me, and don't want to talk to me, as far as I'm concerned, you are doing it to impede my enjoyment of the game and can go stick it where the sun don't shine!!!

So, if someone is trying to friend you or trade without messaging you, try doing a /tell. If they don't answer, be proactive and report THEM! The best offense is a strong defense... LOL