I actually believe, as pnh said above, that there is a time and a place for rudeness. Sometimes there is no other way to get through to people. Sometimes being nice doesn't work.

But I do firmly believe that one should always start out being nice. There is no reason not to. Give people the benefit of the doubt -- at least in public. No one knows that you're gritting your teeth while you're smiling, you know? There are enough people in the world who are going to hate you no matter what -- why go out of your way to make enemies??

Anyway, you're welcome! Thanks for reading, and for taking the time to let me know I've been helpful. :)