mariechi--
I wonder if this is regional.
Even on this thread some people say that calling other addicts when you have cravings is asking them to "babysit" (with the implication that this is something you should not do). While others like you say it is central.
I came into recovery in South Florida and in 9 years I have never had anyone offer their number and only one asked for mine. At one point, when I heard I should get numbers I went around offering my number thinking I would get other group members numbers in return. Not a single one gave me his.
One of the guys who indicated that calling when craving was bad was from my area. I got his number from a person on SR who I think thought as you do that calls at such a time were a good idea.