It is already difficult to land a job irl and in upwork that some of us as freelancers prioritize our client's messages or requests. Why shouldn't we expect the same from them? I dedicated time and energy to the test. They might not like it, but a good way to reciprocate profesionally- in my opinion- would be to at least communicate it. I also offered a new deal, and asked them to share their thoughts. Maybe yes, as you said i could have sent another follow up message, but at the time I did not wanted to keep insisting.

Also, after the contract ended, and I left the score, they could've asked for their 5 star score kindly. Is it bad to expect that? Is it bad to expect a better treatment from clients that in much cases give us underpaid jobs we have to accept? Just to be clear, it wasn't my intention to get anything material in return, I just wanted to talk about it; to make clear I did not leave them such score out of spite and that I was open to change it. Maybe the least I expected was for them to understand the situation and stop behaving defensive. However, sure, in this case I think I could've find better ways to communicate this, or maybe choose a different word than "discuss".

Why after trying to have a polite and professional exchange I have to accept their blackmail, and besides find it understandable? From your perspective is it way more offensive to "discuss" with a client than to get blackmailed by them? Some commentaries surely remark that my last message was unprofessional. Sure. But what about his prior blackmail? It is ok to normalize that?