Not sure if this was suggested, but how about an extended version of incognito that allows you to silently logon without any notification even within your FC? It also disables the chat window except for NPC interactions until cancelled.

This was suggested by a friend who occasionally wants to play, but doesn't want to handle the burden of all the chats and invites that can happen. they literally want to logon and play without interruption, and without hurting anyone's feelings by obviously ignoring communication.