Hi Angelique, I think the comment Gary made about receiving a promotion was “off-the-cuff” and not necessarily literal. It was the sentiment (or lack thereof!) that I think he was trying to emphasize: They want something from you. The point being, as Merlin alludes to, it’s not genuine. So yes they are making conversation and even if they always have, Gary’s message is that people are more suspect of it–and less tolerant too. At my local bank, for example, there are only 3 stations so the odds are better that even if I don’t go in all the time, someone there will know me. It just feels like the local banks are better positioned to compete in a Thank You Economy.