In game friending

Now that Game Center is what it is..our only option is to go through social media. I had an account in Facebook that had been deactivated for years. I decided to open it so I could make some friends to trade with. Facebook, of course, had changed a bit from when I was active. I wasn't sure where to start to find reputable players whom I could trust. I played around with trying to make a page, I became frustrated and simply didn't have the time to dedicate to such an undertaking. A few people had joined but the page really just became inactive and I didn't know how to dismantle it. I started searching and found some groups already made. I joined a few. It turned out being a horrible experience. A larger and more popular group ran across the page I had made. I was unfriended by members of admin before I was even asked and was told it appeared I was trying to steal their players when I had never solicited one person in that group..I didn't even want the page. I volunteered to take it down if someone would tell me how, and I have done that. I was told I had to be removed from their chat. I explained that I was simply trying to make friends. I made a post in the main page area stating I apologized for any confusion and to please not apply because the page would be coming down. Later a member of admin private messages me stating to stop that..it reach a boiling point and things between admin and myself became the kind of petty drama frequently  seen on Facebook. I left the group of my own accord. I was harassed by a player in the group, and this person didn't even know what the subject matter was. I essentially had every right to develop a page but I truly didn't have the time. But it was a horrible experience. I never spoke poorly of the game because I do enjoy it and I do support it and I tell others about it. I enjoy being active in the forums here..helping and learning but some groups out there are doing the game a huge disservice. If I truly was not wanted in the group, which is kinda large, they could have either simply removed me or ask me to leave. I essentially didn't do anything wrong but it did become heated because everywhere I turned I was being attacked. I've had to take all kinds of measures with any players I question motives. I've blocked people. I've basically shut down my page as much as I can without loosing some of the players who seem to be ok. I am in other groups, I've never had any issues with anyone else regarding the game or trades. This kind of activity can deter players from continuing to play, although the game in and of itself is not the root problem. I have continued to play but it doesn't appeal to me as much because I know there are players out there doing this to other gamers. I'm a member of a very simple trade group which works for me but I still tread lightly and level of trust plummeted so I'm now very hesitant. However, I'm thankful for the clubs, that is a step forward. You can't earn Mayor rewards through friending though. It's been a valuable lesson to go with my gut because although the group I joined had a lot to offer, many of those at the top have questionable motives and methods of interaction. The best advice I can give is to be careful. Since that time, I have received email notifications regarding questions revolving around being banned from the game and when I try to open them it tells me I don't have permission to so..I'm frankly paranoid that they are here..in these forums..and the probability of that is not unreasonable. If I loose my account, the BBB will be notified. I've never done anything in this game that is not allowed. I've never hacked, I buy and earn any simcash etc..I do not speak poorly of EA or the game. I am not even giving the name of the group I was in. ...and this is why friending should either be a reward that is done away with or simplified in game support provided. I have no issues whatsoever within the club I am in. You do have to be very careful with who you friend though, even here..I no longer feel as comfortable.