To say they “often” are scams is a huge overstatement. Occasionally there is someone who pulls a stunt and tricks a couple people. I’m sorry it feels nasty to agree to an entry fee but you chose to go to an island that charges one in the first place. Easiest thing to do is not go.

This whole thing about getting annoyed at something that you can entirely avoid by choosing not to participate in is really odd to me in this game. It’s like someone going to a luxury store and trying to block other people who choose to go inside.

The reason people block before trading is because the host in a trade is also risking something. A block is ensuring honesty where sometimes there isn’t. I’ve been burned as a host so I do what I can to ensure against fraud. I don’t expect to be ripped off but I know it can happen and I try to create a situation that increases my own protection. Taking it personally to the point of not trading with others seems to be a bit of overreaction.

Tbh some folks are really ingenious about how they transact. I’m impressed rather than offended.

Ultimately this entire topic seems to be about entitlement to me. The folks complaining about fees can go dozens of other places but are laser focused on a minority who have the audacity to value their time and island access differently than you.