I'm aware of these tricks. I sometimes take these long-drawn-out rambling responses as a sign of someone who isn't quite sure of themselves. That all depends on the situation though. I'll keep what I think about it to myself now.

Hard work always pays off. I never seen someone that has truly worked hard not get rewarded for it.
Build real connections with other people and they will give you value. Since everyone loves a personal genuine response.

I agree with all that. Teamwork, business partners; things like that exist in the real world. Good customer service as well. The basics. Buying the top slot only goes so far. People drive past billboards everyday. Most don't even go to those places being advertised and if they do, they expect a tight ship.