Ah, so the person just up and asks for a compliment.

Yeah, pretty much like asking a person if you can use them as a reference in a job application or resume, belMarduk.

"Trade-last" does take all the sport out of it. It turns "fishing for a compliment" into a commercial transaction.

Another meaning of pandering [in criminal law] is "whoring".

When you get right down to it, it's hard to put a good spin on "sucking up".

"Trade-last" is just calling reciprocal trade in praise what it really is. At least, it's value neutral.

It's the toll in extol.

What is won with false praise is lost with false favor.