AIBU to be annoyed with passive-aggressive or obnoxious use of smilies?

[SerenityNowAKABleh]

This is what I mean:
Exhibit 1
Family member responded to Happy New Year message with "Piss off "
Exhibit 2
Annoying person I sadly have to deal with who sends requests for money with smilies and/or slags off other people, followed by a smilie.

I don't think a rubbish representation of a smiling face makes up for being rude or obnoxious, or AIBU?

YABU

It is sad you feel this way I can't understand why . I am embarrassed to say I find they make me feel happy x

@ littlemoominmama

What a cunt

Exhibit 1 - proper use of smilie.

Exhibit 2 - nothing to do with smilies....blagging money and back stabbing are character traits that smilies can't soften. Ditch second person

Always makes me smile on here when people do that. One day I'm sure it will escalate to 'you're all a bunch of cunts '

tether we are connected in ou similar postings

(and that is a genuine btw)

some folk use em as a cop out when they say something nasty.as if a daft wee face hides fact they are being a git

Great cunts minds think alike, Gibbon

Am I the only one who reads this as obnoxious use of similies?

I don't know, I tend to put a smilie if what I am saying might sound rude but I'm meaning it in a sarcastic or jokey way. It's hard to get tone of "voice" across online. I suppose if you actually think they mean it rather than are joking it is a bit off though. I think I would just assume it meant it was a joke.

usually used after an obnoxious statement

i would never ff/use nursery/work.but if you want to neglect your children up to you

True tethers

As an aside why is a rubbish representation? is it because it has no nose?

Would look odd with a nose imo.

Perfect example SM, was trying to think of one.

you cunts are great

Edgar

at batteryhuman

As obnoxious as a cunt

I should have known better than to bring this to MN ...

You are all evil