I guess it all depends, i don't give a toss about those 1 day old avatars on an adult sim wanting to know if i want rumpy pumpy, and no, i have never been sucked into a virtual relationship, but i made what i would consider to be good friends, which i still wonder where one went, they never log in or return messages, i actually just joined up to another virtual world, and met a few avatars, i'm guessing they are similar to mentors on a newbie help island, very willing to show me around, and i appreciate that. it is supposed to be a fun time on these grids, so i try to be nice to other avies, because after all they are a person behind it.
The old phrase is true, if your hobby turns into work, you have to ask yourself if it is all worth it.