[DragonicRek]

Just out of curiosity, do you find SEing easier talking over the phone or via live chat / email?

With phoning I imagine its easier to emotionally manipulate someone but obviously need to be able to think quickly and be very confident! With live chat or email I guess you can give more considered replies and is easier to be angry than actually shouting at someone (depending on your personality anyway), but dont have the same human connection. Also it seems people on live chat generally don't have much power, especially if they based in India.

Secondly, dont want to sound like a 'moralfag' but don't you ever feel bad? Yes you can say they are big companies, but you are still effectively stealing and using people! I've over exaggerated problems in the past in the hope getting compensation or a partial refund, but it is always based on truth. Which I guess is still a form of SEing. However blatantly lying outright- like pretending the parcel never arrived or making out somethings completely broken personally feels like crossing the line! I don't know if my conscious would let me. Or is it eclipsed by the sense of achievement in out smarting people and beating the system (+free stuff ofc hah)?

1. Phone is always better for the reasons you've stated. Easier to emotionally manipulate.
2. You make a good point of morals. It's okay to steal from companies- which live off stealing from humans e.g. Apple making billions over crappy phones- but it is not okay to steal from a private seller.
If you don't feel comfortable doing this, then don't. SE'ing is not for everyone, and that's okay.