You write well and appear to be a literate person, so I'm sure that you knew exactly what tone "hugs and kisses" would convey. I perceive it to be a written sneer and don't think that the people asking you to expand on your position, asked in a polite tone BTW, were due a sneer. Like I tell my Daughter, a little kindness and respect costs you nothing, but will earn you meaningful dividends.
