"Yes -its annoying -but try and think of the bigger picture -your answer was not just for the OP but for anyone surfing the Net that may have a similar problem and lands on your answer."
^^ This is a good answer
"So, perhaps some people ask questions and assume that the answers are provided by robots who/which just sit here and wait to be activated?"
I think there is that strange attitude held by some, I don't think it is intentionally rude though!