YankeeJim:. The selfish one is the one that expects a return for their help.
there is a difference between an expectation and saying thank you, building a rapport with a person, and offering someone something whether it is expected or not.
here is a similar dynamic...CC often bring in new members, they prefer active members, I have read negative comments or disapproval of those members who just show up for the free "stuff" and then those players do not even attempt to use their FREE CC passes to help the CC earn points, they don't participate in forums, they don't use free passes for clashes, you simply hear nothing from them. "they are considered freeloaders" offering nothing back to the community they are a part of.
there are a wide variety of dynamics in play, and on one hand it may seem like "selling" but isn't really selling but simply wanting a mutual respectful relationship.
if a person comes to you directly asking for something, then odds are you already have built a rapport with that person they know you, they are not coming out of the blue. yes, that can happen and depending on the circumstances it can be handled in different ways. my personal preference is to try and be considerate of those I ask something of because I do not want to exploit their hard work without trying to offer them something in return...even if it is my friendship, playing rounds together, inviting them to our CC to be part of a community.
thoughtful, considerate people generally feel inclined to say thank you in some way or form, that doesn't mean they are "paying for the advice" or the other person is "selling" it. it is simply part of a healthy dynamic between two people that can build a rapport with one another...