I guess I don't understand why anyone would not just disable the flashing smilies in a reply when the OP has requested it.
Would you go visit a friend who you know wasn't religious and bring an angel picture or a bible?
I'm one of those who think less is more when it comes to smilies, for a number of reasons. I hit the ESC key to stop the movement because I can't read a post that has stuff flashing in it. I think they are just "too too" cutsie pie for the most part. I like them in birthday threads etc, but think one is enough.
We're supposed to be supporting each other here. Going out of our way to comment on how we won't suppress our smilies is ubber passive aggressive and patronizing IMO.