Is that really how people are perceiving smiley faces nowadays? I make rather extensive use of smiley faces and smiling emoji and I would hate for them to be received in that manner, rather than what I intend, which is an authentic smile.
Some people will find malice whenever possible, even in smiling.
I read the comment as an attempt to redirect the person from begging to helping, in as nice a way as possible.
But if someone has a bone to pick with people who are rude about suggestions, they're going to read ill intent into the whole message, smiley or otherwise.
> Is that really how people are perceiving smiley faces nowadays?
No. In this case there’s nothing earnest about the smiley face, which is why it makes the comment seem rude. Just like a genuine smile is different to Dolores Umbridge’s smile.