You seem to be implying that there is no such thing as a bad attempt at a trade. This would probably be true if all trades were rational but I am saying that th

You seem to be implying that there is no such thing as a bad attempt at a trade. This would probably be true if all trades were rational but I am saying that the very act of asking for a trade biases it to going through, even if it is a bad trade for the person being asked. This is because there is a social pressure to comply. My point is that you shouldn't be afraid to ask for something, but you should be aware of the line when you're taking advantage of a person. That line is gray and usually culturally defined.