[...okay, you can practically hear the amusement in his voice when he responds to that. Not cruel, just entertained.]

A valid point, actually - should you be seeking assistance, it makes sense that you would assume that someone offering anything of the sort would be taken at face value.

Though that brings up the question of what makes all common sense go out the window as soon as certain situations arise. It can really only be chalked up to "human nature", I suppose.