You're right, of course. But I was tired of their stupid email excuses and I finally had enough. So, that's why I sent the email telling them that I was done with their excuses, and deserved to know where I stood on their list of priorities. They shot back, that I had no right to ask what position I am on their priority list, and accused me of judging them (total deflection move).

And it's not that I want people to change. It's just disappointing for me, to find out people I prioritize time for, don't want to reciprocate. Someone told me, the reason people aren't respectful and honest in these situations, is because its easier for them to be cowards, to avoid taking responsibility for downgrading the other person from priority to option.

I could be upfront with people about my expectations when I first meet them, telling them "I hate it when people use the busy excuse with me," but that seems to alienate pretty much everyone from wanting to be friends with me. I must be the only person I know, who doesn't use that excuse with people. I don't like to hurt people's feelings, so I'm always direct and honest with them. Some people obviously can't handle that. But why should I change who I am, if I can't change other people (and it's not my job to change other people).

But I'm fed up trying to find people who actually want to hang out with me.