...and, with good healthy RP, you can even avoid the odd mauling...
Example just last night. the Daddy W had just popped into a system and into a gaggle of Red npcs. I didn't notice the RACS cruiser in their midst, and must have tagged him. He started ripping me down the the hull, and I ran, all the while telling him that our "bosses" were drinkin' buddies.. (Well, indirectly...). We ended up all cheery, even with the misunderstanding.
If you're clever in the cockpit, I'll respect you for the five minutes or so it takes to spank me. If you're clever on the comms/RP, I'll learn to respect you every time i see you.