I'm going to begin trading more aggressively. Many times I'll hold off because I'm unsure, but I'll incorporate this for a few games and will see how it goes. I beat the 1,000+ player through aggressive trades, when everything was off the board I was simply able to rush my rooks in first.
It's a good and bad thing. There are times that I should be upset (like my stuff getting stolen) but i'm just like "eh whatever". Can't see what could cause anger here on pokecommunity, so your probably in luck. I will avoid certain personality types, for example - people who argue over everything.
Yeah not sure what to suggest there. I'd probably try to engage them, but lack of interest would make me stop responding. Maybe they just like having someone to share interests with, and haven't had the chance to do so. Never been a discord person. I guess I'm just out of touch, but I don't feel the need for constant contact. Forums like this work for me, I can just log in whenever I feel like it.