The Greatness Game

[Kayenneh]

I'm sorry, but it all just comes across as contrived and overbearing to me, and I am (relatively) politely stating my opinion on the matter.

No need to be sorry, you are indeed entitled to your opinion.

I feel that it would be much more appropriate to pay such compliments privately.

Cultural difference, I guess. I on the other hand would rather receive compliments on the go, instead of having to face them in my inbox and think of an appropriate response

This way, other people would not feel left out

Meh, no matter what happens and is being discussed someone will always feel left out. Sad though it is, no one can take everyone's feelings into consideration.

Also, I know that I would be rather wary and uncomfortable if somebody I met online was being overbearingly friendly and complimentary for no apparent reason. Call it rational skepticism.

Beware of strangers on the net, sure, but still, having a couple of really good friends IRL that I met over the net on other boards, I know that most of the people I admire here I would like to meet someday in person.
My reason for giving certain individuals some extra attention is because I truly like their posts and try to encourage them to keep up the good work. I might only be a snippet of text on a monitor, but a very happy one when my favorite posters have something to say, I want them to know that I appreciate what they have to say.