Then our difference in opinion is derived from our difference in experience. When I say, "hi" back, I get hit on. Usually very inappropriately. I have never responded to a "hi" or "hello" and not had the other person then dive into 5 comments in a row asking me personal questions and/or talking about my photo, where I live, etc. "Good luck" on the other hand, I can respond likewise and not hear back or only receive a "good game" after the match. That is fine to me.
I'm sorry that women and girls have to put up with creepy stalkers on this site. I understand why most people use impersonal avatars, but you should be able to show your face without having to endure unwanted advances. I had not considered that my own "hello" might cause worry to anyone. I don't even look at my opponent's avatar at the start of a game; I prefer to look at their national flag and try to guess the name of the country.
When I mentioned introverts and role models etc in my previous post, I should have specified that I was generalizing, not referring to you or anyone else in particular. I realize now that my wording was quite clumsy there. I apologize if I offended you personally.
It's alright. I know I'm not the politest person to deal with and am very opinionated. So people seem to get easily fired up when talking to me.
I have my chat on all the time; unless my opponent is insulting or mouthy. It ruins the flow of the game and my concentration.