it's great when one gets to know someone; it definitely helps with context.
Knowing that you are an ex-copper (since you have mentioned this publically before, I assume it is okay to share publically) brings to mind an issue that comes up frequently in regards to LEO's - there is one school that strongly believes that Law Enforcement Officers should never smile while on the job - they have to always maintain an air of being in control - of themselves, of the situation. Being friendly or amiable are not part of the job description, and in fact, can be dangerous at worst, counter productive at best.
What I've always found interesting is that this school conveniently forgets, or ignores, the percentage of the population that actually reacts very badly to being "coerced" by power and power figures.
It's a tough and delicate balance, just like real life in general, and again, dogma and slavish devotion to a "rule book" loses.
Back to the OP, your posts are always polite and enjoyable, whether you include opening salutations or "imho" in a specific post or not.
Thanks for your participation and presence in this community!
Cheers,
TM