Commendation System: So who get's your vote?

[Tlamila]

I don't usually commend people who are jerks, but I don't see why someone talking to you has anything to do with how they play their class.

Nothing. But nothing says commendations have to be given based on skills. AFAIK they were implemented to reward those who are friendly and helpful, rather then gaming skills and gear.
Myself, sure value that more, since it's harder finding nice people then it is to find decent players. And I sure enjoy more a run where some wipes/derps happened but everybody laughed like mad all the time, then a flawless but boring one. I play for fun.