[rsp1984]

This. One million times. Politeness is not a signal and generally a terrible proxy to figuring out someone's integrity. While most impolite people also aren't highly ethical in their actions, the reverse (politeness + unethical behavior) is extremely common.

[tomrod]

It would be wise to separate out politeness, by which I interpret every comment here means patiently assertive, and obsequious, where one is a doormat and butler to all.

In that view, is your view of politeness as a bad signal more aligned with obsequiousness or with civil assertiveness?

[ChrisMarshallNY]

It's very common to mistake courtesy and kindness for weakness.

I see it all the time.

People get very, very upset, when they find out that I'm not the doormat they had me pegged to be.

It's fun, when that happens.