At first I found chat intimidating but with some time the regulars get to know you. Then you can make some great friends, I sure have. My chat buddies have gotten me through the bad and celebrated the good.

Oh, and the lobby is usually treated as a temporary place to be while you pick where to go. Nobody is intentionally snubbing anyone there. Evenings are the busiest chat times for sure, and most people say hi and welcome newbies.