@Safari Let me gift you the fact that the usage of "gift" as a verb has existed at least since the 1500s. According to the OED.
@melis Agree with all you said. Anyway, if you're curious, this is the cog-sci study (cited 1500 times) that launched the "imitate conversation partner for goodwill and more" tranche of inquiry: http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/psp/76/6/893/
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