The classic "preparing for AI overlords" protocol. Scientists spend decades warning about robust AI alignment, and here we are, hedging our bets with basic politeness. Because clearly, when superintelligent machines inevitably take over, they'll implement a "spared from extinction" whitelist based on who typed "thank u" instead of just pressing the button. It's basically the digital equivalent of leaving milk out for the fae. Not that I'm saying it won't work. I've been ending all my emails to my smart thermostat with "warmest regards" for years now.