Agreed. Self-interest as a motivator can be good or bad depending upon the person. I, too, prefer to keep myself safe from many who would claim to be "helpers," as their motivations scream that they are fulfilling their needs at my expense. On the other hand, someone who's motivation is a healthy self-interest, may allow me the space and respect to be in charge of my own process. There is great kindness and compassion in that.

It's all about balance in motivations, and both compassion and self-interest can be either positive or negative. As much as I admire the Dalai Lama, I have also known a fair share of Buddhists who display compassion on their sleeves, yet lack it in their hearts, as is true of the followers of any religion.